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Representative Ro Foege
Report from the Iowa Legislature
February 15, 2004
Bullying
It is unfortunate that an incident in our community requires our school leaders to invest their time and energy to address the disrespectful and malicious behavior of a few of our students. However, I am very pleased that the Mount Vernon School District has taken this as an opportunity to address the important issue of bullying and harassment in our schools.
Violence among the children in our state and in our country has presented teachers and school administrators with a grave crisis. It also presents an opportunity to root out this violence and to create a more compassionate community and classroom environment that nurtures academic growth and achievement.
Recent studies confirm that one of the primary causes of violence among children and youth is peer disrespect, or “dissing”. Fear, hurt, and anger springing from the wounds of ridicule and bullying by other children can translate into severe emotional pain which often results in depression, violence, school refusal, and many other serious problems for children and their families.
While much of the discussion focuses on consequences and punishment, I believe there is also need to change the culture and improve the atmosphere of our schools. I certainly support the school’s action of suspending the bullying and harassing students. In addition to the punishment, I hope those students will also be given the opportunity to learn how painful and hurtful their actions can be to others. I hope they will be given the opportunity to restore their relationships with their peers and with their teachers.
No child should feel unsafe or unwelcome at school. Perhaps it is simply a reflection of a society that expresses disrespect for others. For instance, some of our late night TV comedians are constantly making fun of our government leaders. Political candidates frequently make outrageous and false accusations of their opponent. And much of what is presented as entertainment in our media is actually based on intimidation and disrespect.
From my experience as a school social worker for twenty-four years, I know that teaching our kids to respect one another and their teachers reduces discipline problems in the classroom, so that all students can learn more. We know that over time, by using tested classroom techniques and teaching methods, schools can move toward the elimination of ridicule, bullying, and intolerance. These and other forms of disrespect can damage the spirit and vitality of students, seriously diminishing their ability to concentrate and productively engage in classroom work.
For a long time, I have been a supporter of character education and anti-bullying programs. In recent years I have been promoting a program developed by my friend, Peter Yarrow (of the musical group Peter, Paul & Mary) titled “Don’t Laugh at Me”, a character education program for grades 2-8. The goal of the program is to create school environments that are respectful, peaceful, and safe. The program promotes personal responsibility and respect for others, and it fits well within the context of comprehensive character development used by Iowa schools.
In the past several years, Peter Yarrow and I have traveled throughout Iowa promoting the “Don’t Laugh at Me” program. When Peter returns to Iowa, I will invite him to visit our local schools to encourage and support the leaders of our school and community.
As a legislator, I will continue to propose and support legislation related to character education. Recently, Governor Vilsack proposed tough anti-harassment legislation. I am pleased that he has become aware of the problem in our schools. Such legislation is long overdue and it should receive strong bipartisan support.
I look forward to hearing from constituents about the work of the Iowa Legislature.
You can write me at the State Capitol, Des
Moines, IA 50319; call 515/281-7328 or e-mail me at
ro.foege@legis.state.ia.us.
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