Addressing the Urgent Need for Systemic Change in Dubuque's Education System When Dealing With Bullying
How the School to Prison Pipeline Begins
In recent events involving a 12-year-old boy charged with terrorism for sharing an image of a non-lethal AirSoft gun in response to relentless bullying, the Dubuque school district finds itself at the crossroads of a pressing issue. This incident not only raises concerns about the disproportionate response to the child's actions but also sheds light on the pervasive problem of bullying within the district. Several mothers have reached out regarding their children being bullied in the schools as well. Let’s explore some of the inadequacies in the current approach to bullying, advocate for a shift in perspective, and propose viable solutions for the Dubuque education system.
The Disproportionate Response:
Charging a pre-teen with terrorism for showing a picture is an alarming overreach that calls into question the judgement exercised by the authorities involved. Let’s not mention the ordeal of putting shackles on a child, don’t dare call them ankle bracelets. The incident underscores the urgent need for a nuanced understanding of the dynamics at play, where bullying is not only tolerated but often dismissed by educators. This harsh response to a cry for help raises concerns about the adequacy of the district's approach to fostering a safe and supportive learning environment.
Dubuque has a historical issue with bullying that, unfortunately, only garners attention when a victim responds in a manner that the system deems unacceptable. The lack of diversity and the apparent reluctance of educators to address bullying perpetuates a toxic environment. The systemic failure to hold bullies accountable contributes to a culture where the victims are left without recourse and perpetrators go unchecked. Sometimes, sadly, suicide is the only way bullied children see as a way to get away from the bullies.
Proposed Solutions:
To address the root causes of bullying and create a more inclusive and supportive environment, the Dubuque school district must consider the following solutions:
1. Comprehensive Anti-Bullying Education:
Implement a district-wide curriculum that educates students on the consequences of bullying and fosters empathy. This includes teaching students effective communication, conflict resolution, and bystander intervention.
2. Accountability Measures:
Establish clear and enforceable standards for educators to respond to reports of bullying. Educators should be held accountable for their role in preventing and addressing bullying within the school environment.
3. Parental Involvement:
Encourage open communication between parents and educators to create a collaborative approach in tackling bullying. Establish a system for reporting and addressing bullying that involves parents in the resolution process.
4. Restorative Justice Practices:
Integrate restorative justice practices into the disciplinary system, fostering a rehabilitative rather than punitive approach. This can include mediation and conflict resolution programs that involve both the victim and the perpetrator.
Dubuque's education system must undergo a profound transformation to address the deeply rooted issues of bullying. The recent incident with the 12-year-old underscores the urgency of reform. By implementing comprehensive anti-bullying education, holding educators accountable, promoting parental involvement, and adopting restorative justice practices, the district can foster an environment where students feel safe, supported, and free from the shackles of bullying. It is time for Dubuque to take decisive action to create a school system that reflects the values of inclusivity, empathy, and accountability. Ignoring the problem and putting the responsibility solely on the victim to deal with it, can start the beginning of the school to prison pipeline. Or, by ignoring the problem, we will start burying these children.
*Views and opinions expressed by Carla Anderson are not endorsed by any outside entity*