People and Politics by Patrick Roberts

Too late for Phoebe Prince as South Hadley High issues anti-bully school policy

Posted on Tuesday, April 27, 2010 at 09:18 PM

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It's too little and too damn late for Phoebe Prince as South Hadley High School has released a draft of a new anti-bullying policy.

The Massachusetts school drew up the draft in the wake of the tragic suicide by the 15-year-old Irish student.

Phoebe hung herself Jan. 14 after what prosecutors described as "relentless" bullying at school.

The new policy requires all South Hadley staff members to report "any bullying they see or learn about" and pledges to "promptly and reasonably" investigate any claims of bullying.

The draft says the definition of bullying means causing "physical or emotional harm," putting students in "reasonable fear of harm" or creating an "unwelcoming or hostile environment at school for another person."

School officials have been blasted for not doing more to protect the young Irish immigrant.

The six former students at South Hadley who face felony charges over her death have all pleaded not guilty.

The new draft from the school specifically defines bullying in the following way:

Severe or repeated use by other students of written, verbal or electronic communication or physical acts or gestures which cause physical or emotional harm, create a hostile environment, infringe on the person’s rights or disrupt the educational process.

Well that sounds about right but why did it take them so long to do it?

If they had created this policy earlier Phoebe might still be alive.

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Searlit | Apr 28, 2010, 11:07 AM EDT

Severe bullying has been allowed for so long as 'kids will be kids' that changing the paradigm will be a significant task. The public needs to show continued interest in following up on any cases of bullying that they hear about firsthand or through the media. That's the kind of committment it takes to drive it out of existence. Let's not give up on everyone's children and grandchildren. They all deserve a right to an education without intimidation or attack.

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borefield | Apr 28, 2010, 10:11 AM EDT

If they didn't have the Moral Integerity to do it before a tragic death happened, they wont't do it now. This is nothing other than saving their butts!!! from future legal action. Disgraceful town and disgraceful school. Let it never be forgotten.

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mom5683 | Apr 27, 2010, 10:47 PM EDT

The new policy is a step in the right direction. May it be in honor of this young girl.

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