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Bullying and the "sin" of being different
Feb. 29th, 2008 05:28 amVarious things have gotten me thinking about bullying and related matters.
After giving it some thought, I came up with some "rules"
Being different is not wrong.
Behavior that is not illegal, "immoral", nor disruptive shall not be punished.
The fact that others take exception to something doesn't make it disruptive. In fact their objections may well be disruptive.
Sexual orientation and gender identity may not be classified as "immoral" or disruptive.
Preaching/witnessingh may be disruptive. Passively displaying religious items is not. (ie you can carry a Bible, Book of shadows, or wear a cross, pentacle or head covering. Trying to convert people is out. Answering questions is ok)
Overt sexual behavior may be disruptive. But any such rules must be gender & orientation neutral. (ie if holding hands is ok for a boy and a girl, it's ok for two boys or two girls. Ditto for kissing/hugging)
Dress codes must be gender neutral. Having a "male" and "female" version of a uniform is fine. But if a male student wishes to wear the female uniform (or vice versa) that must be allowed as long as they otherwise follow the rules.
Teachers and other school personnel who ignore or condone *any* sort of bullying shall be terminated. Those who harass students or encourage other students to harass them for being "different" may be prosecuted.
Attempting to blame the victim by claiming that they wouldn't be bullied if only they acted like everyone else is also not permitted.
After giving it some thought, I came up with some "rules"
Being different is not wrong.
Behavior that is not illegal, "immoral", nor disruptive shall not be punished.
The fact that others take exception to something doesn't make it disruptive. In fact their objections may well be disruptive.
Sexual orientation and gender identity may not be classified as "immoral" or disruptive.
Preaching/witnessingh may be disruptive. Passively displaying religious items is not. (ie you can carry a Bible, Book of shadows, or wear a cross, pentacle or head covering. Trying to convert people is out. Answering questions is ok)
Overt sexual behavior may be disruptive. But any such rules must be gender & orientation neutral. (ie if holding hands is ok for a boy and a girl, it's ok for two boys or two girls. Ditto for kissing/hugging)
Dress codes must be gender neutral. Having a "male" and "female" version of a uniform is fine. But if a male student wishes to wear the female uniform (or vice versa) that must be allowed as long as they otherwise follow the rules.
Teachers and other school personnel who ignore or condone *any* sort of bullying shall be terminated. Those who harass students or encourage other students to harass them for being "different" may be prosecuted.
Attempting to blame the victim by claiming that they wouldn't be bullied if only they acted like everyone else is also not permitted.
