Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, February 13, 1994 TAG: 9402130026
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: D-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Yes.
Several highly publicized cases in recent years have focused attention on sexual harassment in the workplace.
But not much attention has been given to its occurrence in schools.
It does happen, though - as early as the seventh or eighth grade.
A recent Lou Harris poll found that 75 percent of high school girls and 56 percent of the boys said they had been the targets of unwanted sexual comments, jokes, gestures or looks.
Two-thirds of the girls and not quite half of the boys said they had been touched, grabbed or punched in a sexual manner.
The growing concern about sexual harassment has prompted Roanoke school officials to include a ban on it in a new student conduct code that will take effect soon.
Under the new policy, students who sexually harass others can get kicked out of school - permanently.
The ban is part of "Standards and Expectations for Student Behavior," a new document that will govern student conduct and prescribe disciplinary action.
The penalties for sexual harassment range from a three-day suspension to expulsion and criminal charges.
The new policy will replace a 12-year-old code that has become outdated, said Ann Harman, executive for student services and alternative programs.
Like the old one, the new code prohibits students from having guns, knives or other weapons on school property. It also bans fights, assaults and disruptive behavior. And it prohibits students from using or possessing tobacco products.
"This is something which the students can read and see what the consequences can be if they do certain things," Harman said. "We give the minimum and maximum consequences, so students can know up front what is expected and what can happen."
Three offenses carry an automatic 10-day suspension and a recommendation for expulsion:
Possession of weapons.
Selling or distributing drugs.
Inflicting serious injury.
"It's pretty clear-cut. If you bring guns to schools, sell drugs or hurt others, you need to know what can happen to you," Harman said.
School officials can recommend expulsion, but only the School Board has the authority to expel students.
Each student in middle and high schools will be given a copy of the standards and expectations.
"The old one was called a behavior code. In this one, we are focusing on standards and expectations," Harman said. "We are focusing on the students' responsibilities."
School officials consulted with students, parents, teachers and administrators in drafting the new code.
The old code banned weapons in schools, but the new policy is more comprehensive and detailed.
It allows principals to use metal detectors and search students if they are suspected of having weapons. The principals are trained in the use of the hand-held detectors.
School officials also can search lockers when there is reason to believe school rules or laws have been violated.
The code also prohibits students from wearing clothing and hairstyles that interfere with the instructional environment or present a health and safety threat.
"Our primary responsibility is to preserve the safety of the schools," Harman said.
Harman estimated that 30 to 40 students a year are suspended for violating school rules. Two or three are expelled each year.
Principals can suspend students up to 10 days. But a disciplinary review team, chaired by Harman, makes the decision in cases where the principal makes a recommendation for more than 10 days.
If the parents and student object to a longer suspension, they can appeal the decision to the superintendent and School Board.
Harman said the punishment can vary in some cases to fit the violation. If students damage or vandalize property, for instance, they might be required to repair it or pay restitution.
In cases with lesser violations of the conduct code, she said, school officials try to discipline the students initially without suspending them.
"Each case is different. They are never the same," Harman said. "Suspension is usually the last resort. Suspending them takes them away from school and puts them on the streets. We want to keep them in school if possible."
When a student has repeated problems, a support team sometimes is created to help the student and consider alternatives. The team includes representatives from community agencies, school personnel, parents and the student.
If the student's behavior becomes erratic or destructive, Harman said, the support team tries to work with him to resolve conflicts and problems.
"When a child does a bad thing, it does not mean they can't ever be rehabilitated," Harman said. "Some kids deserve a second opportunity."
by CNB