WPB PASSES AFTER-SCHOOL ANTI-BULLY RESOLUTION
West Palm Beach this week pushed back against bullying, with a resolution to bolster rules and policies of afterschool and community center offerings, a move with symbolic and practical aims.
Area schools have had a good anti-bullying policy for several years, and it has had a significant impact, Rand Hoch, founder and president of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, said Thursday. Teachers and administrators know if they don’t intervene, it can jeopardize their jobs, he said.
The problem is, after school, kids participate in other programs, whether to play basketball, chess or participate in other community activities. There, they haven’t been protected.
“There’s nothing out there to provide that same level of comfort for kids and education for people running those programs, so this is moving what goes on in schools to municipal services the city provides,” he said.
The resolution seeks to battle intimidation and other emotional abuse based on physical appearance, race, ethnicity, gender, disability, religion or sexual orientation.
“It all comes down to making sure the kids are safe and comfortable going to community centers and the library,” he said. “It’s symbolic because it sends a message the city is taking these actions and it’s actual because people know if somebody calls somebody fat or gay” or harasses “because your mother’s on food stamps,” there’ll be repercussions,” he said.
City Commissioner Kelly Shoaf crafted the resolution with input from Hoch and others.
“Given the tone of today’s society, I think it’s important for West Palm Beach to set an example, that we are an inclusive city and create safe spaces where everyone no matter their age, race, ethnicity, body type, gender identity or sexual orientation can be a part of our community,” Shoaf said after the vote.
The resolution notes that the Mandel Public Library and the Youth Code of Conduct of the Parks and Recreation Department already have provisions banning threats or harassment. But it goes further, declaring it a city goal to eliminate bullying and affirming the city commitment “to support local resources aimed at addressing bullying and harassment and requiring city youth programs to have anti-bullying policies.”
The measure passed as part of the city commission’s consent agenda, which means there was full agreement and no need for discussion.
“When it comes to kids,” Hoch said, “everybody wants to be proactive, to make sure kids are involved in city programs and feel safe and protected.”
CONTACT US: Have a West Palm issue you’d like The Post to tackle? Contact Tony Doris.
Phone: 820-4703 E-mail: tdoris@pbpost.com Twitter: @TonyDorisPBP