Safe Schools?
It seems the Human Rights Commissioner Keith Norton has decided that the Safe Schools Act's supposed "zero tolerance" policy which introduced automatic suspensions for serious offences such as drugs, alcohol, weapons or assault is unfairly targeting black male students and the disabled. The act is viewed as being inflexible and is supposedly resulting in "a disproportionate impact on certain identifiable groups within the school system", according to Norton.
You know what, Mr. Norton? It's not the act that makes any of those problems you feel you are seeing. It's the people interpreting the act. Yes, I mean 'interpreting'. Even though there are supposedly strict guidelines laid down, it still all comes down to the principal and teachers involved. I have watched as the aforementioned individuals conducted themselves in any way but the ways supposedly indicated by that act. I have seen instances of behaviour directly in contravention of that act covered over and hidden so that they could be allowed to pass with no disciplinary action having been taken. I have seen this happen no matter the colour or ability of those involved.
If, for instance, a student were found using drugs ot wielding a knife, then it would be time to be inflexible, as the commissioner terms it. Whether the user were black, white, or purple-striped should not matter at that point. They "did the crime". They need to "do the time". While that state of affairs should prevail, however, there should also be ongoing programs of outreach in communities identified as being at greater need. That is where the inequalities of impact on various groups would be addressed. Once you're in the middle of the wrongdoing, the colour of the person's skin has no significance.
I have seen behaviour that poses a distinct threat to the safety of the other students in the room excused and even reinforced by the principal(s). Trips and excursions that included students who should have been on suspension for inexcusable, unacceptable behaviour can be interpreted as nothing other than endorsement. Come talk to me sometime, Mr. Norton. I can tell you stories from the front lines about the invoking and ignoring of this supposedly inflexible act that worries you.
It's not the act that needs any kind of rewording. It's the people who staff the schools who need your attention.
You know what, Mr. Norton? It's not the act that makes any of those problems you feel you are seeing. It's the people interpreting the act. Yes, I mean 'interpreting'. Even though there are supposedly strict guidelines laid down, it still all comes down to the principal and teachers involved. I have watched as the aforementioned individuals conducted themselves in any way but the ways supposedly indicated by that act. I have seen instances of behaviour directly in contravention of that act covered over and hidden so that they could be allowed to pass with no disciplinary action having been taken. I have seen this happen no matter the colour or ability of those involved.
If, for instance, a student were found using drugs ot wielding a knife, then it would be time to be inflexible, as the commissioner terms it. Whether the user were black, white, or purple-striped should not matter at that point. They "did the crime". They need to "do the time". While that state of affairs should prevail, however, there should also be ongoing programs of outreach in communities identified as being at greater need. That is where the inequalities of impact on various groups would be addressed. Once you're in the middle of the wrongdoing, the colour of the person's skin has no significance.
I have seen behaviour that poses a distinct threat to the safety of the other students in the room excused and even reinforced by the principal(s). Trips and excursions that included students who should have been on suspension for inexcusable, unacceptable behaviour can be interpreted as nothing other than endorsement. Come talk to me sometime, Mr. Norton. I can tell you stories from the front lines about the invoking and ignoring of this supposedly inflexible act that worries you.
It's not the act that needs any kind of rewording. It's the people who staff the schools who need your attention.
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