Harassment in the Schools

I have spent a lot of time writing on this blog and talking to school employees about the problem of harassment and intimidation of employees by other, supervisory employees (and board members). I have also suggested to many that the ability for employees to report acts of harassment anonymously is crucial in resolving harassment issues, and that victims of harassment or witnesses who report instances of harassment must not fear retaliation.

The State of North Carolina just passed a law that specifically directs school boards to draft a policy on such by December 31, 2009. It is called the "Violence in Schools Prevention Act," and the text can be found on The Crowing Hen (see left sidebar). Although this bill is touted (or decried, depending on your viewpoint) as a landmark to affording protection to gays, lesbians and the transgendered, it's reach includes protection for "conventional" folks as well.

You can bet that if I am elected, I will be sure that the board includes harassment on the basis of employee expression or free speech outside of working hours in that policy and educate employees, administrators and board members that those activites are protected against harassment or discrimination.

This law does not replace run-of-the mill workplace harassment laws (Title 7), but it should give school employees (and students) some comfort that retaliation for reporting harassment will not be permitted, and that all complaints of harassment will be investigated and resolved.

Also, before all of you "sages" chime in and remind of the "law of unintended consequences," I must say that harassment and discrimination of employees or students on any basis is unacceptable. And regarding the expense of writing, training and maintaining this policy, I would imagine the "Safe Schools" grant funds might be in play for this.