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It is the school's responsibility to ensure that established school district standards of behavior are followed. Standards should
promote respect for all people and for oneself. School personnel must demonstrate to students that each person is valued as are all cultural brought from home to school. A Suggested Process Specify the rules of conduct in documents, speeches, and
orientation sessions that are held with students and faculty. Include the district and school policies concerning bigotry, all of the activities considered to violate policies and constitute unacceptable behavior,
the procedures for reporting a hate crime, and the consequences for those who commit any hate-motivated behavior.
Assess the existing school climate, review incident reports, and identify
potential problems. Perform a Hate Crime School Survey at the site and use the data to develop strategies for reducing hate-motivated incidents. Analyze the data to improve programs.
Adopt a curriculum or supplement the current curriculum through course content which includes or enhances multicultural components.
Provide staff training which will
help teachers to respond immediately and appropriately to hate-motivated incidents in the classroom, accurately report hate-motivated incidents, and provide needed assistance for the victim and offender.
Provide workshops for teachers, parents, families, and community partners which teach the importance of setting examples and provide the opportunity for participants to model positive behavior
toward youths.
Involve community partners, such as government agencies, law enforcement, and other school sites, as resources. These partners are valuable resources for helping develop
effective prevention plans.
Support student activity programs that promote appreciation and respect for differences among people. Support after-school, evening, and weekend events which
demonstrate how students can harmoniously work together, learn from one another, and resolve conflicts among members of a dissimilar student body. Encourage existing student-focused programs promoting dignity and
physical and emotional safety for all students by students. 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 |
