Draft Student Behaviour and Bias-Free Progressive Discipline Policy

I think these policies look great but no one upholds them in practice. When girls are harassed by boys the school continues to perpetuate the old school attitude that the girl is responsible for his behaviour towards her and she therefore must develop strategies so that she doesn’t trigger the boys behaviours. She is the one who has to go through the stress of switching classes or even schools. The severity and impact of the boy’s actions are downplayed and ignored. The girl is basically taught not to come forward as she won’t be believed or she will be blamed as if she did something to trigger the boy. The boy learns that his poor behaviour is not his fault, and even acceptable, as he has anger issues or autism so he is excused. The school doesn’t offer support or care about the impact on girls who are threatened. They silence girls instead. I guess that’s what it’s like in ‘real life’ but schools are in the unique position to teach the next generation about fair treatment and equality- as well as to teach kids accountability for their actions and not give them excuses to behave badly.