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SFUSD board adopts anti-bullying resolution after contested public comments
Summary
The San Francisco Unified School District board on Oct. 9 adopted an amended resolution reaffirming its commitment to eradicate bullying and to distribute anti-bullying lessons and materials districtwide; public speakers pressed the board over alleged mishandling of a specific bullying complaint.
The Board of Education of the San Francisco Unified School District voted Oct. 9 to adopt an amended anti-bullying resolution that reaffirms the district's commitment to eradicate bullying and directs the Student Family Community Support department to distribute lessons, posters and schoolwide activities in October and November.
The resolution, authored by Commissioner Emily Morase and carried with student delegates Wendy Lee and Megan Wong, cites state data about bullying prevalence and notes the district's existing policies, including an anti-slur and anti-discrimination policy. Student delegate Wendy Lee told the board she was "hopeful that future students will be able to go to school every day, looking forward to learning and seeing their friends and teachers."
During the public-comment exchange on the resolution Laurie Moore told the board she had repeatedly contacted district officials about a bullying incident involving her child and read tweets she said showed students mocking and encouraging harassment. "So the kids basically are laughing at you guys, because you don't do anything," Moore said. Another speaker, who identified himself as a local resident, urged educators and parents to stop school bullying because it can "hurt people on both sides of the equation."
Board members used the debate to clarify implementation and responsibilities. Commissioner Feuer asked whether the resolution required new work beyond existing efforts; staff responded that the Student Family Community Support department leads an annual districtwide anti-bullying campaign and that this year the district would expand materials and include a partnership with Common Sense Media. Executive Director Claudia Anderson said the department has run poster campaigns, skits and assemblies in prior years and will provide curriculum ideas and directives to schools.
Several board members asked to emphasize adult responsibility in the resolution's language so the policy would reflect roles for teachers and administrators in preventing and responding to bullying. The board adopted the resolution as amended by roll call vote.
The board did not take separate disciplinary action related to the specific case raised in public comment during the meeting. Commissioners asked staff to follow up with the speaker who reported the complaint.
The resolution directs the Student Family Community Support department to coordinate materials and activities and to work with family partners and school staff in the coming months. The board meeting record shows the resolution was adopted as amended on Oct. 9, 2012.
