School leadership responses to student threats and bullying allegations

¶ … real and important threats of bullying and violence. Answering these questions is useful in determining the correct actions to take in similar circumstances related to harassment and bullying.

From a school leadership standpoint, it appears to be very necessary to investigate Julia's claim regarding the harmful and violent email she received. The tone of the threat she received was very serious and has created a serious rift on the school grounds with legal implications. This incident is serious and should be addressed in accordance with school rules and school district policies and laws. This process should include talking to and finding out information from interviewing all the people who were witness to these incidents.

Question 2

If it turns out that a fellow student threatened Julia on campus, a serious and overt offense may have occurred. While it is reasonable to expect freedom of speech in some cases, this appears to cross the line. There is no clear cut answer as courts are deciding this very issue today. The Supreme Court of the United States is discussing and waiting to rule on Elonis v United States, which depicts a case very similar to Julia's. Regardless of that ruling, this threat appears to warrant some response by school leadership.

Question 3

If this student has used technology to manipulate the truth in regards to me personally as the principal, a different legal aspect has entered the discussion. For me it is wise and prudent to find personal legal protection to help safeguard myself. In addition, it will be necessary to include the school district's legal team to help advise on these matters. It would also be helpful to assign the assistant principal or another capable body of conducting any further investigation due to my personal involvement with the case.

Question 4

As a teacher working in Brooklyn, NY, my school falls under several jurisdictions. For this particular incident there is a school policy that refers to city policy in cases such as these. New York City School policy explicitly discusses the details of student harassment and the proper responses to such incidents. The problem with this regulation is contained in the idea that there is no clear or precise definition of the words bullying, leaving much to discretion and personal value judgments.

Question 5