HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.C.R. NO. |
20 |
TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2005 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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RESOLUTION
URGING ALL hawaii schools to implement standard of conduct policies to discourage intimidation and promote safe and peaceful schools that encourage effective learning environments.
WHEREAS, the act of bullying encompasses physical aggression, threats, teasing, and harassment and is a widespread problem in schools; and
WHEREAS, nearly one-third of U.S. students report they experience bullying either as a target or as a perpetrator; and
WHEREAS, students who reported that they were the target of being bullied also reported loneliness and difficulty in making friends; and
WHEREAS, students' daily experiences with intimidation and physical abuse are often largely ignored and accepted as simply a typical part of the school day; and
WHEREAS, schools typically deal with bullying by using reactive measures such as installing metal detectors, surveillance cameras, or hiring extra security which has no tangible positive results; and
WHEREAS, many school policies on conduct include intimidation between students and often overlook the volatile relationships that can exist between students and their teachers, administrators, or coaches; and
WHEREAS, adults who supervise students should be held accountable for the negative effects they project onto the students which can have long-term negative results; and
WHEREAS, researchers advocate prevention programs that promote positive school and community environments; and
WHEREAS, components of the effective programs include early intervention practices, parent training, teacher training, and attitude changes toward bullying; and
WHEREAS, schools with easily understood codes of conduct, smaller class sizes, and fair discipline practices report less violence; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2005, the Senate concurring, that all Hawaii schools, public and private, are urged to implement standard of conduct policies for teachers, administrators, coaches, and students that reduce intimidation and promote safe and peaceful school environments that encourage learning; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, the Superintendent of Education, and the Executive Director of the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools.
OFFERED BY: |
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Report Title:
Bullying and Intimidation; Schools Standard of Conduct