HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.C.R. NO.

20

TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2005

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 
   


HOUSE CONCURRENT

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:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Bullying and Intimidation; Schools Standard of Conduct