LRSD Investigates, Focuses on Bullying
By: Brittney Johnson, KARK 4 News
Updated: September 27, 2012
Bullying is now a major focus in the Little Rock School District, according to district superintendent Dr. Morris Holmes. He vows to investigate claims of widespread student harassment and work to further define bullying and identity how it's affecting all students.
"Almost every incident we get, it's often said we're bullying or we're harassing," said Dr. Holmes.
Dr. Holmes opened the meeting, briefing the packed house on the district's plans to investigate complaints within "Operation Intercept", a study, conducted by UALR Professor Dr. Terry Richard that includes allegations of sexual harassment and bullying of Latino students by majority African-American students and personnel.
"There is no limit to how far we can go back. If there are adults who have watched youngsters be abused, we want you by name and we will be looking for you," said Dr. Holmes.
Following his brief comments, the board moved on to hear other issues.
"We're feeling a little neglected," Otter Creek parent Karen Swinton said, demanding attention to overcrowding from the podium.
"We wanted the board to know we are running out of space and we need something done quickly," Swinton added.
Contracted bus drivers complained about poor working conditions that could lead to a strike.
"They will ask a driver to do another route but they won't pay the driver," a driver insisted.
And then, there it was again, the topic of bullying.
"My son is being bullied, I pointed it out to the principal there," said Tanya McMullan.
McMullan pressed the district to focus on bullying and harassment, saying her son was a victim who ended up breaking to rules to defend himself. She wants it addressed among all students, before it goes too far.
"I hope they will make it a district-wide thing to hone in on that because it's very very scary," she said.
District leaders want to remind parents if you feel your kid is being bullied, you can find steps to address the problem in their student handbook.
The researcher who worked on "Operation Intercept" says he'll meet with district leaders to plan anti-harassment policies starting Friday.
"Almost every incident we get, it's often said we're bullying or we're harassing," said Dr. Holmes.
Dr. Holmes opened the meeting, briefing the packed house on the district's plans to investigate complaints within "Operation Intercept", a study, conducted by UALR Professor Dr. Terry Richard that includes allegations of sexual harassment and bullying of Latino students by majority African-American students and personnel.
"There is no limit to how far we can go back. If there are adults who have watched youngsters be abused, we want you by name and we will be looking for you," said Dr. Holmes.
Following his brief comments, the board moved on to hear other issues.
"We're feeling a little neglected," Otter Creek parent Karen Swinton said, demanding attention to overcrowding from the podium.
"We wanted the board to know we are running out of space and we need something done quickly," Swinton added.
Contracted bus drivers complained about poor working conditions that could lead to a strike.
"They will ask a driver to do another route but they won't pay the driver," a driver insisted.
And then, there it was again, the topic of bullying.
"My son is being bullied, I pointed it out to the principal there," said Tanya McMullan.
McMullan pressed the district to focus on bullying and harassment, saying her son was a victim who ended up breaking to rules to defend himself. She wants it addressed among all students, before it goes too far.
"I hope they will make it a district-wide thing to hone in on that because it's very very scary," she said.
District leaders want to remind parents if you feel your kid is being bullied, you can find steps to address the problem in their student handbook.
The researcher who worked on "Operation Intercept" says he'll meet with district leaders to plan anti-harassment policies starting Friday.
