The Ooltewah incident was really a wakeup call that policy change can prevent serious issues
Akia Lewis, left, talks Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at UnifiED, about the need for stricter anti-bullying policies in the Hamilton County School system as Nick Wilkins, center, and Elizabeth Crews look on.State law requires student discrimination, harassment, hazing and bullying policies to include:
A description of the type of behavior expected from each student. A statement of consequences and appropriate remedial action for a person who commits an act of harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyber-bullying. A procedure for reporting an act of harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyber-bullying, including a provision that permits a person to report such acts anonymously. However, nothing may be construed to permit formal disciplinary action solely on the basis of an anonymous report. A procedure for a prompt investigation. A statement of the manner in which a LEA shall respond after an act has been reported, investigated, and confirmed. A statement of consequences and appropriate remedial action for a person found to have committed an act of harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyber-bullying. A statement prohibiting reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an act of harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyber-bullying, and stating the consequences and appropriate remedial action for such actions. A statement of the consequences and appropriate remedial action for a person found to have falsely accused another of having committed an act of harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyber-bullying. A statement of how the policy is to be publicized within the district, including a notice that the policy applies to behavior at school-sponsored activities. The identification by job title of school officials responsible for ensuring that the policy is implemented. A procedure for discouraging and reporting conduct aimed at defining a student in a sexual manner or conduct impugning the character of a student based on allegations of sexual promiscuity. *Source: Tennessee Department of Education
Special Citizen’s Advisory Committee:
Garrick Hall, wrestling Coach, Hixson High School, chairmanWayne Brown, Bridge-n-the-GapGrant Crosslin, Community volunteerEverlina Holmes, UnifiEdJudge Rob Philyaw, Hamilton County Juvenile CourtMarcus Perez, Elite Behavior AnalysisLee Rogers, parent and community volunteerThis committee will work in partnership with the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council and the Hamilton County Council of Parent Teacher Associations.Source: School board member Greg Martin
The Hamilton County Board of Education’s policy on student harassment, hazing and bullying does not meet the requirements of state law and isn’t on par with similar policies in other large school districts across the state.
In the wake of the alleged assault and rape of an Ooltewah High School freshman by three of his basketball teammates, the school board plans to meet today at 5 p.m. to discuss the policy, as well as procedures that apply to overnight trips, such as the basketball team’s trip to Gatlinburg, Tenn., where the assault and rape reportedly occurred on Dec. 22.