HATE FORM UNVEILED; NOT READY FOR ACTION PANEL: MORE TALK ABOUT ISSUE NEEDED.Byline: Carol Rock Staff Writer SAUGUS - A report form that would be used to keep track of hate incidents in the William S William, crown prince of Germany William or Frederick William, 1882–1951, crown prince of Germany, son of William II. In World War I he commanded (1914) an army on the Western Front and was nominal commander in the German attack . Hart Union High School District was called ``premature'' by the district's governing board Noun 1. governing board - a board that manages the affairs of an institution board - a committee having supervisory powers; "the board has seven members" , teachers and parents in attendance at Wednesday's meeting. The form, which was developed by district staff, categorizes abuses, crimes against persons and property and other incidents, attaching codes for statistical purposes, but leaving out any opportunity for narrative that might explain circumstances or show a pattern of aggressive behavior. ``Teachers witness a lot of incidents,'' said Donna Countryman, a member of the teachers subcommittee sub·com·mit·tee n. A subordinate committee composed of members appointed from a main committee. subcommittee Noun of the Ad Hoc Committee ad hoc committee A committee formed with the purpose of addressing a specific issue or issues, which theoretically is disbanded once its raison d'etre is finished on Diversity. ``We wanted a friendlier form. Does this eliminate mediation? How do we deal with people who are not students at the school or who influence them? Where do we list provocative language, bullying Bullying Chowne, Parson Stoyle terrorizes parish; kidnaps children. [Br. Lit.: The Maid of Sker, Walsh Modern, 94–95] Claypole, Noah bully; becomes thief in Fagin’s gang. [Br. Lit. or a hostile learning environment?'' Both teachers and board members thought an anonymous survey should be conducted to poll the students on their perceptions of the problems. Many felt the form was taking a task given to the committee away before all involved had a chance to give their input. ``Wasn't the job of the ad hoc committee to address problems and make recommendations?'' said Patrick Peterson, a member of both the committee and People Supporting Diversity, a group formed in response to racial incidents at the schools. ``This discussion doesn't include other parts of the committee. How do we document those with affiliations to hate groups? ``This form says it addresses hate crimes, but even the definition of a hate crime is ambiguous because it's so subjective. We need something that references the interview of all involved so we can get all sides of the incidents.'' Peterson also said that those not immediately involved in potential incidents should be considered, such as those who overhear o·ver·hear v. o·ver·heard , o·ver·hear·ing, o·ver·hears v.tr. To hear (speech or someone speaking) without the speaker's awareness or intent. v.intr. an ethnic slur Noun 1. ethnic slur - a slur on someone's race or language aspersion, slur - a disparaging remark; "in the 19th century any reference to female sexuality was considered a vile aspersion"; "it is difficult for a woman to understand a man's sensitivity to any slur on not directed at them, but to which they take offense. Board member Patricia Hanrion agreed that the form needed to be taken a step back and offered to the committee for review. Representatives from the parent, teacher and business subcommittees in attendance said that Wednesday's presentation was the first time they had seen the form. The next meeting of the ad hoc committee is scheduled for April 19. Carol Rock, (661) 257-5252 carol.rock(at)dailynews.com |
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