Hate-motivated behavior is an important issue for everyone. If parents, students, school staff members, and representatives of the
local community know that you are serious about addressing hate crimes, they will listen, learn, and participate in scheduled activities. Publicizing the school's commitment to hate-crime prevention is the key to
successfully involving everyone. Following through with plans and promises is the key to keeping all partners involved. PARENTS
Parents need to model the appropriate behavior of respect for others and appreciation for diversity throughout the lives of their children.
Parents should be encouraged to attend school-sponsored training on hate-crime prevention and work with school personnel to implement plans designed to promote acceptance and understanding. STUDENT Students must take responsibility for their own behavior and meet the standards of
conduct established by their school site and society in general. SCHOOL-SITE STAFF The school-site staff, along with parents and community members, need to develop a plan for dealing with hate-motivated behavior in accord with board policy and district
guidelines. Staff members need to receive training and materials necessary for the success of the plan.
SCHOOL DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION Administrators must provide leadership and support by developing and promoting guidelines which schools can customize
into action plans. Administrators need to embed workable strategies into these guidelines so that sites can effectively deal with hate-motivated incidents. GOVERNING BOARDS All governing boards have the responsibility to develop and support policies which inform
every school that the prevention of hate-motivated behavior and provision of victim assistance are required mandates. Board policies addressing hate-motivated behavior in schools are critical to the success of
safe school strategies. LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES Law enforcement
agencies should be part of the team by communicating clear policies and protocols for dealing with hate-motivated behavior and crime. Many agencies will provide, when appropriate, school resource officers,
training, victim assistance, presentations, and materials for dealing with hate-motivated incidents. COMMUNITY Community-based organizations, public service agencies, service clubs, senior centers, business owners, and religious organizations are all part of the solution.
Some service clubs and businesses make it a priority to develop partnerships with schools. Many have national and international resources which can help. This is part of a publication of the Alameda County Office of Education. 1997.
To obtain an copy of the full Hate-Motivated Behavior in Schools: Response Strategies
for School Boards, Administrators, Law Enforcement, and Communities
contact the Alameda County Office of Education - 313 West Winton Avenue, Hayward, Ca 94544; (510)6704156; fax (510)670-4161 or the Sales Office at (800)995-4099 |
