The president of the Howard County Education Association released a job satisfaction survey that states 44 percent of respondents either were harassed or witnessed harassing behavior from co-workers, administrators or parents.
How should such behavior be addressed within the school system?
Frank Aquino: “Harassment requires a no-tolerance policy. [Howard County Public School System] policies address this.
“Also, upon my recommendation, the HCPSS is developing a civility policy to promote civil conduct and address situations not covered by other policies.”
Larry Cohen: “? Ongoing educational activities should address this issue for all staff, parents and students. ? There should be a procedure for people to follow should problems arise and consequences that are adhered to.”
Allen Dyer: “Harassment of adults sets a bad example and encourages student bullying. Our public schools must provide an environment for civility ? not blind obedience. Participation and due process are the foundations.”
Sandra French: “Children cannot learn in a tense environment. The Student Code of Conduct is also instructive for adults. Incident 1: Counsel adults to sign a civility contract. Incident 2: Seek professional intervention.”
Ellen Flynn Giles: “Investigate reports ? employee policy and negotiated agreements cover such incidents. [A] Civility policy should define and communicate expected behaviors ? students, staff, parents and community members ? and provide remedy through standardized processes.”
Patricia Gordon: “… Students can be given individual instruction. Staff should be exposed to cultural proficiency training. If parents or community members are the source, it may be necessary to bar them from the school.”
Joshua Kaufman: “Anecdotally, [most] cases seem to involve parents [and] a new civility policy will ? outline the behaviors expected toward staff ? In cases where [staff committed the harassing behavior,] there needs to be strict discipline.”
Roger Lerner: “Workplace satisfaction should be evaluated regularly. Problems like harassment must be addressed immediately, otherwise dissatisfaction festers and school culture declines. The board needs to take a direct role.”
Don Byrd Marston Jr.: “Professional employees of the Howard County Public School system deserve to be treated with the dignity and respect.
“Employees should not be subject to harassing behavior.”
Dr. Janet Siddiqui: “We should consider re-evaluating the existing harassment policy and place more emphasis on prevention of harassment, awareness of civility and enforcement of the policy.”
Peter Sola: “Teachers and all people need to be respected first as human beings, then as professionals ? We may need to go back to Ethics 101 and refresh our administrators, teachers and students about the golden rule.”
Di Zou: “The employees in question should be disciplined severely, because this type of behavior is unacceptable. If multiple offenses come up, then the employee should be fired.”
Paul Aliprando and Marcelino Bedolla did not respond.
tjohnson@baltimoreexaminer.com
