We’ve had a good discussion here of the terrible case of bullying in Saranac Lake that was apparently sparked in part by a 12-year-old girl’s skin color.<\/p>\n
In June, the middle school student’s alleged attackers used her antiperspirant stick to write a racial slur — including the N-word — on the middle school wall.\u00a0 It wasn’t cleaned off for nearly a week.<\/p>\n
As part of the discussion, long-time school board member Tracey Schrader (full disclosure, also a long-time friend) wrote the following.<\/p>\n
As I read Brian’s article I couldn’t help but feel disappointed.<\/p>\n
One would hope that one comment by Mr. Goldman wouldn’t be viewed as the “sum” of what his total message was.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Ms. Schrader is referring to a quote from the Plattsburgh Press-Republican in which Superintendent Gerald Goldman said administrators have “got to become a little more cognizant of what that culture [outside the classroom] is going to look like.”<\/p>\n
Her post continues:<\/p>\n
We will be doing more than “reviewing policy” and to think otherwise is a slap in the face to the dedicated staff who work hard at providing a safe learning environment for ALL of our children.<\/p>\n
The school is often serving as “surrogate” parents to many children who aren’t receiving parenting at home.<\/p>\n
I could share instances where parents refuse to allow counseling for their child of which the school will provide\u2026because the parent thinks the school is quote “being ridiculous” or “it’s overkill\u2026.my kid is a good kid”.<\/p>\n
I am the parent of a 15 year old boy who was also bullied in middle school. I immediately reported the incident to the Dean of Students and the child in question was suspended for one week.<\/p>\n
The Dean was very clear to my son about reporting any further problems and asked other children who were witnesses to provide him with details. The issue was dealt with and I was happy with the outcome.<\/p>\n
My son is now entering the 10th grade and after 10 years of being a very involved parent (in the classroom) I can honestly say that our school would not intentionally turn a blind eye to racism, bullying of any kind.<\/p>\n
I will make this clear\u2026.I am not saying our district should not take responsibility for this disgusting incident and work even harder to promote acceptance and re-evaluate some of the programs we have in place\u2026however our district is only a piece of the problem.<\/p>\n
Our community is outraged (and rightly so!) but we ALL need to look in the mirror and ask ourselves if we as community members aren’t also part of the problem. The school can’t parent alone. Thank you for your time.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Ms. Schrader\u00a0 makes some good points here — and also some points that I disagree with pretty vehemently.<\/p>\n
Let me discuss them in order and then I’ll welcome your comments and thoughts.<\/p>\n