We read with interest the article
”
Approving transfer over bullying a good decision
”
(Feb. 17).
In our professional opinion, it is clearly time to take a firm
stand and approach to address
”
hostile school environment harassment
”
and bullying.
We read with interest the article “Approving transfer over bullying a good decision” (Feb. 17).
In our professional opinion, it is clearly time to take a firm stand and approach to address “hostile school environment harassment” and bullying.
Current initiatives follow in the footsteps of a more than two-decade struggle in the workplace to end not only the instrumental and procedural forms of employee aggression but to also eradicate the more subtle interpersonal hostilities that create an atmosphere of disrespect. What can we take away from this history to guide us in the effort to improve the climate in schools?
We are psychologists with a specialization in harassment and discrimination – in the workplace and in the schools. From more than 25 years of experience, we know that teaching employees the do’s and don’ts is not a very effective way to change culture. Students are still more complicated: Children and adolescents are not just “little adults.” It takes more than policy to change behavior.
We know, because we have been doing it.
Steven Dranoff and Wanda Dobrich,
D&D Industrial Consultant,
Clifton, N.J.
