From USA Today --
The Supreme Court ruled 9-0 Wednesday that students who are sexually harassed may sue under a federal statute covering schools and a broader civil rights law.
The decision, which clears up a conflict among lower courts, revives a lawsuit brought by the parents of a Massachusetts kindergartener who said a third-grade boy repeatedly harassed her on the school bus. Their daughter said the boy made her lift her dress, pull down her underwear and spread her legs.
Francisco Negron, general counsel of the National School Boards Association, disagreed, saying the decision could encourage litigation: "Why should school districts have to go through that pressure (of possible lawsuits), especially at the time of limited funds?" More...
Why should the schools be subject to lawsuits when they do not protect children that are left in their charge? WTF kind of stupid question is that! It is a schools responsibility to provide a safe learning place for the children.
But when dealing with the MA schools and the robed rube's running their lower courts - that both would feel a little girl being felt up is OK does not surprise me. In other instances, the MA courts have ruled teaching kids about homosexuality is more important than religious freedom AND the wishes of the child's parents.
If a straight child is continuosly subjected with Gay is OK - wouldn't that be a form of sexual harrassment too?
I just want to be sure I understand - you do think this was a good ruling, right?
ReplyDeleteJill - I could not agree more with the Supreme Court overturning this ruling. So yes I absolutely agree it was a good ruling.
ReplyDeleteIt is the responsibility of the schools, within reason, to afford a safe learning enviroment for students - our children.
Obviously the schools cannot protect a child in every instance, but measures must be taken to be proactive when regarding student safety.
My only reservations on this is that the parents of geeks will use it as a way to try and make other children socially accept their children.
Unfortunately some children get made fun of, having your books knocked out of your hand or being shoved in a locker is called growing up. Some of it can even be mean-spirited - but in my opinion these types of things are not the intent of the ruling.
Allowing continued sexual abuse, by a student or teacher, or continued physical abuse or threats of physical abuse should not be tolerated.