Deering High School Tackles Issue of Harassment
Deering High School is working with the Center for the Prevention of Hate Violence on a coordinated plan to deal with harassment, an issue facing schools throughout the country. The school held meetings with student leaders, staff, parents and community members on March 13 to discuss the problem at Deering and steps that will be taken to address it. Brief presentations were planned for all Deering classes on March 14.
The Center for the Prevention of Hate Violence in Portland conducted focus groups with Deering students at all four grade levels last October. Students were asked about their perceptions of bias, stereotyping and harassment at the school, as well as positive actions to address those problems.
The center’s report cites particular concern about racial, sexual, anti-gay and religious harassment at the school. At the same time, the report expresses confidence that Deering students and staff will respond in bold and creative ways.
“This is a national problem in schools at all levels and in all communities,” said Deering Principal Ken Kunin. “We are committed to confronting the problem directly through communication and education. Our aim is to share students’ perceptions broadly to our community and to work to address concerns.”
The full report is on the Deering High website: http://deering.portlandschools.org/.
