Pitchforks and Torches in the Classroom: The Persisting Cases of Bullying and Hazing
Luis B. Taruc
Persecution has always been part of human history. It may have started during the ancient times where members of society were divided into ranks and when stereotyping was rampant. In the present time, persecution takes the form of bullying and hazing. Its gravity is so evident that there are many laws implemented to diminish its cases and avoid its possible impacts on the victims.
The case of the alleged maltreatment of Cdt. 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio who died inside the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) was an indication that hazing and bullying are tolerated without being properly addressed. Before his death, Dormitorio was said to be beaten to a pulp and tortured by his perpetrators who also happened to be students of the PMA. His experiences of bullying and hazing went unnoticed. Had it been determined, the administrators could have uprooted the problem and prevented the demise of the 20-year-old aspiring soldier. It is also undeniable that there are other Dormitorios in other academic institutions. They are bullied students who still endure physical, emotional and financial abuses and whose experiences have considerably led to their poor performance in school, poor attendance, and difficulty in getting along with other pupils.
Dormitorio’s death must serve as an eye opener to both teachers and school administrators. Laws relevant to anti-bullying and anti-hazing need to be reintroduced to schools and learners. The Republic Act 10627 (Anti-Bullying Act of 2013) seeks to prevent and address bullying in elementary and secondary schools. Similarly, the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 was made to discourage and penalize any actions that involve harassment in fraternity and the like. These laws tell that learners across age groups need to be protected and assured that the school is the safest place for them to go to. Awareness of the existence of bullying and hazing incidents together with the knowledge of laws aiming to protect children is the only key to put to an end to the ever prevailing persecution in our schools.
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The author is Teacher III at San Isidro Elementary School, San Luis District,
San Luis, Pampanga