The death (by suicide) of Rutgers University freshman Tyler Clementi, a young accomplished violinist, … is a horrible tragedy.
Where did the (person who created an issue with a webcam) and his friend, recent high school graduates, learn such behavior, clearly a form of bullying.
Where did they learn such insensitivity to those different or perceived to be different from them? Where did they learn such a lack of civility and respect for the privacy of others? Were they not taught before they got to Rutgers that such behaviors were cruel and never appropriate?
Schools in New Jersey are “encouraged” by law “to establish bullying prevention programs and other initiatives involving school staff, students, administrators, volunteers, parents, law enforcement and community members.”
There is, however, no absolute requirement that they do so.
The law says that, “To the extent funds are appropriated for these purposes, a school district shall provide (1) training on the school district’s harassment, intimidation or bullying policies to school employees and volunteers who have significant contact with students; and (2) develop a process for discussing the district’s harassment, intimidation or bullying policy with students.”
The vital training of school staff and a discussion process for bringing the problem of bullying out in the open, are, therefore, left to the mere discretion of the board of education and/or school administration based on whether or not school officials wish to appropriate funds for antibullying programs and education.
A key recommendation of the New Jersey Commission on Bullying in Schools is to “ensure all school districts implement effective anti-HIB programs or approaches.”
It was reported in the news media that Gov. Chris Christie, who claims to support strong action for governmental reform, called Clementi’s death, “an unspeakable tragedy” and expressed other words of sympathy.
Additionally, the state Senate planned to open a voting session with a moment of silence. How nice. But nice words will not undo Tyler Clementi’s pain. They will not undo his death. And they most certainly will not prevent another bullying tragedy like what happened to Tyler and, for that matter, countless other young people, gay and straight, who have been bullied to the point where suicide seemed the only way out.
If our governor and Legislature are truly serious about saving lives and preventing future tragedies, they must, as the saying goes, put the money where their mouths are. Mandate that schools implement bullying prevention programs in accordance with the laws that already exist. And then back the mandate with the funding they deserve. Nothing less will do. Lives really depend on it.
Barry Fulmer Freehold Township