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Board addresses issues of civility
By BARBARA BEHRENDT © St. Petersburg Times, published May 10, 2001 INVERNESS -- In recent months, the School Board has had several emotional debates on various issues dealing with religion in public schools and has discussed problems of student behavior toward themselves and adults. On Tuesday, it was time to restore civility. The board accepted a civility proclamation that the Florida Bar has asked counties and school boards across the state to approve during May. The board then had a chance to put the proclamation into use as it discussed issues such as harassment, intimidation and the proper format for public comment. As the board discussed updates to its sexual harassment policy, teacher Chris Becker said the policy should be written more specifically to include harassment toward people because of their sexual orientation. "That's something we need to address," Becker said, noting that students are verbally assaulted sometimes because they are homosexual or someone perceives they are. Becker suggested that sensitivity training of staff, possibly beginning with guidance counselors, would help. He said some students who have been harassed have been told it is their own fault and they should stop acting the way they do. "That's unacceptable," Becker said. "It's time that we not only establish a policy, but provide training or at least get started on training . . . to make our schools safe for everybody and not just the chosen few." School officials said that principals will soon be receiving sensitivity training. The district also has a provision in the Code of Conduct dealing with harassment based on sexual orientation. Board member Pat Deutschman said she would like a separate policy prohibiting intimidation and derogatory comments. School Board attorney Richard "Spike" Fitzpatrick suggested that he meet with her so he could propose language to meet her intent. The board also approved the 2001-02 Code of Conduct on Tuesday. Several people questioned the district's zero tolerance policy because of the impact it had on students and because district employees who violate rules don't always face harsh punishment. Deutschman defended the board's expulsions, noting that each case is heard individually. She also said that first offenders possessing but not selling drugs in the schools do get some leniency but the district does not want people dealing illegal substances in the schools. The board recently re-wrote its rules on proper behavior for citizens addressing the board. Profanity and intentional insults were outlawed and anyone violating those rules could be asked to leave the microphone or leave the meeting. At one point during the meeting, there were two uniformed deputies and two in plain clothes attending the meeting to be sure that the rules were followed. The rules were strongly supported by Don Bates, who said that people don't always have a right to say what they want, depending on where they are. "Our speech is limited at certain times," he said. Community activist Charles Schrader, who has criticized the board for its stand on prayer, said citizens will be civil to the elected officials once the elected officials treat citizens with respect. He criticized Chairwoman Patience Nave specifically for not being respectful and noted, "I will speak freely on any subject I choose with or without your approval." He also thanked Nave for allowing board member Carol Snyder to open the meeting with a moment of silent reflection on Tuesday. The prayer issue surfaced again when several members of Americans United for Separation of Church and State spoke to the board in support of praying in a way that does not offend those of minority beliefs. "We believe religion and prayer are sacred and personal. However, a wide diversity of beliefs must be respected," said Americans United member Gerald Eckstein. "Our Supreme Court has determined that government and religion should be kept separate."
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
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