NCJ Number
188019
Editor(s)
Jim Carnes
Date Published
1999
Length
68 pages
Annotation
This guide presents proven strategies and concrete recommendations for responding to daily manifestations of hateful behavior at schools, including "putdowns," full-blown hate crimes, and long-term issues.
Abstract
This guide is intended for use by school administrators, counselors, and teachers, so they may be prepared to react promptly and effectively when hate, bias, and prejudice appear in the school environment. In this guide, "bias incidents" are broadly defined as "any acts directed against people or property that are motivated by prejudice based on race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, social affiliation, ability, or appearance." Events cited in this guide are actual incidents that have occurred in recent years. Six guidelines are presented under the general category of "Everyday Action." The aims of these guidelines are to create an unwelcome environment for hate speech and symbols; to prevent hate graffiti and other vandalism; to stand against hate literature, music, web sites, and e-mail; to be alert to signs of student alienation; to speak up when bigotry comes from colleagues; and to respond to community and national hate crimes. Seven guidelines pertain to a "School-Wide Emergency Response." These guidelines recommend actions in the immediate wake of and follow-up for any hateful act that impacts the entire school population. The concluding section of the guide presents four guidelines that pertain to "Long-Range Commitment." These guidelines focus on school policies that promote equality and respect, staff development, student activism, and a network of community support. Nine appendixes provide supplementary information on responding to hateful behavior. An extensive list of annotated resources is provided.