Mom (
June 18, 2007)
I agree that spectators should be suspended as well. What the schools have to be very careful of now is drawing the line. What if a student sees a fight, tries to break it up, and gets suspended for "being in the wrong place at the wrong time" - happened twice this year to my family. And this is elementary school. My daughter has been sworn at by school administration, called a liar in front of her peers, and even suspended after being beaten up herself - and she is 9. I witnessed each event, name calling by administration, etc. This is the point where we have to protect the kids who are trying to stop this nonsense, or they all will end up being spectators - afraid to stop the fight! The kids trying to stop fights should be commended as heroes instead of being suspended with the mix. The parents need to stand up together, rise up with their children and say ENOUGH! School boards and superintendents ignore one parent or even two. But we need to remember that these are our kids, we are the client of the school (whose tax dollars pay for the administration and teachers salaries?) and make our voices heard together! |
denise (
June 18, 2007)
That was someone's child being hurt while others cheered. I find this a sad commentary on how removed from other's pain our children are becoming. I hope this is a wake up call for some. |
Ryan (
June 18, 2007)
I don't know if it's a good idea... there would be no witnesses to the fight, nobody to give first aid or call 911, and the student who was beat up could possibly be unconscious and on their own while suffering life threatening injuries. I don't think the bullies are going to report it, and the spectators who leave the fight might not report the bully. A fear for good reason, because they don't want to put their own school year, school life, even personal life in danger of even possibly being affected by the bullies actions. Maybe the new rule would work if it was this:
ANY STUDENT WHO WITNESSES A FIGHT - AND DOES NOT REPORT IT TO THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY - WILL HAVE CONSEQUENCES.
If the office had the whole group of spectators report it out of fear of suspension or lost lunch privileges / depending on their grade...
(students with higher grades won't want to be suspended because their G.P.A is important to them, while other students wouldn't want to be in at lunch because their G.P.A isn't their priority and they would rather be suspended at home anyway)
...this would also prevent the bully from pointing their finger at only one in the group.
If the bully still persisted than the police should intervene because there is school in jail, and because it would be better then a victim in the hospital.
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Ken (
June 17, 2007)
What kind of society are we creating. The schools did the right thing. Not that many years ago, people were taught to be kind, caring and helpfull.
These few "prizes" are not the norm. Unfortunately this bizarre behaviour overshadows the hundreds of good students.
I bet if you were to look at the lives of those involved in 30 years, they will be the unhappy, unemployed, divorced group of the era. |
Tommy T (
June 16, 2007)
Congratulations to all those who stood up and said "enough already!"
But, "BIGGER" congrats to the rest of the students who had better, more constructive things to do with their time.
Its too bad a few of the bad apples in the schools involved, cloud everyones perspective of current students.
There are a lot more better apples out there. maybe some of them will go on to be in positions to eradicate the Youth Justice System and propose legislation to toughen sentencing and make those who break the law accountable. |
Mike (
June 16, 2007)
I am sure some kids maybe just stopped by for a few seconds but at some point common sense should dictate when enough is enough. A school fight 20 years ago was generally over when someone was knocked down. (and reminded to stay down!) Today, stomping and kicking the downed opponent is much more common. Let the kids know with this suspension that their behavior is unacceptable and hopefully in the future a similar situation will be avoided. |
Joanne (
June 15, 2007)
It's a great precedent. Many parents of the by-standers who were expelled were supportive - I congratulate them on being good parents. Many parents of the expelled by-standers thought this move was overkill - that's truly too bad. Responsibility is a lost art in parenting today but this move by the Beaver Brae principal was a great step forward. I know the staff are very supportive as well. I hope he's still there when my kids reach the high school. I'll feel better knowing kids are held accountable for their actions. |
Brad (
June 15, 2007)
Absolutely! I also would like to congratulate the Principals involved for doing what they did.
Youth at this age have to learn that for every action, or in this case lack of action, there are consequences.
The sad thing is, the area were the fight took place is also a place where kids smoke pot, drink, fight, and light fires.
I live near the infamous trail. On a daily basis I see and hear all sorts of goings on.
Too bad our illustrious police force wouldn't get out of their cars and make frequent visits back there. It would make it safer for students and area residents as well. |
MR (
June 15, 2007)
I totally agree with suspentions for any student watching a fight take place. My Daughter goes to one of the local High Schools and when I hear of what goes on I am sickened. Groups of kids get together and beat a kid senceless and people walk by and don't do anything. We need to start teaching our children to be responsible for there actions, or lack there of! Would you walk by someone being beaten on the street? |
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