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Schools must have a clear set of procedures to follow when responding to hate-motivated incidents. Steps that ensure the safety of
the victim, provide for appropriate disciplinary action for the perpetrator, and establish a standardized reporting system are important procedures to have a place at every school site. Immediately:
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Stop the behavior and address the problem. Discuss the incident with the
student(s) involved and interview possible witnesses. Provide immediate and reasonable consequences for the perpetrator (based on school and district disciplinary guidelines).
The same day:
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Provide immediate staff response to all reports of
hate-motivated incidents. notify school administrators and law enforcement officers of the incident and request assistance, if necessary. Get assistance for the teacher if he or she is uneasy in
dealing with this issue.
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Activate all student rumor control networks on campus so that
they can disseminate accurate information across the campus before rumors spread.
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Provide victims of hate-motivated behavior or crime with support
and assistance, including referral to victim support agencies, if appropriate.
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Inform the victim's and perpetrator's parents that the school
is taking the incident seriously. Ask family members whether they are aware of any indicators of hate-motivated behavior at home and whether their observations may be documented and shared.
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Report in writing all hate-motivated behavior. Reports
should include a description of the behavior and name(s) of the student(s) involved. Inform the district office staff of all planned follow-up activities.
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Follow the district's media relations plan so the assigned
spokesperson can take command of distributing the information quickly and accurately.
As soon as possible:
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Proceed with appropriate disciplinary action
consistent with district policy and the California Education Code. Law enforcement officers may proceed with a concurrent investigation based upon California Penal Code violations.
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Provide appropriate sensitivity training
and diversity education for the perpetrators and their families.
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Implement follow-up activities with the students, staff, and community:
- Have law enforcement officers take photographs of graffiti and have district personnel paint out all graffiti before students arrive at school so that the message is not seen by students.
- Work with students who are in formal and informal leadership roles to plan activities which will restore campus harmony; e.g., campus wide "No Put-Down" campaigns.
- Utilize school or district crisis response teams to support the students.
- Provide staff with effective strategies on how to respond to taunts and slurs in the classroom; e.g., establish "No Slur Zones" in the classroom or perform sensitivity exercises with students.
This 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 |
