Date: Fri 30-Jun-1995

Publication: Bee

Author: CURT

Quick Words:

Redd-racial-race-slurs-NAACP

Full Text:

REED FORMS PANEL TO ADDRESS RACIAL INCIDENTS IN THE SCHOOLS

BY AMY D'ORIO

This spring, on three occasions, students in the elementary schools were

subjected to racial slurs by fellow students.

School Superintendent John Reed said one child was not only called names, but

was pushed down and spat upon.

Racial harassment at school prompted an African-American family to call in the

Danbury chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored

People and investigate how Newtown is dealing with such situations.

Don Michael, a Newtown resident and the NAACP investigator in this case, said

many African-American families in town have some story to tell about their

children being called names and put down for the color of their skin.

He said the families became concerned this spring because they realized

Newtown lacks a policy on such types of harassment.

Mr Michael, who plans to conclude his investigation soon, said the parents

brought their concerns to Dr Reed, who has been very helpful.

In May, Dr Reed sent a letter home to every parent in the school, and he

formed a committee to improve the situation at the schools.

The letter, urging parents to speak to their children about racial tolerance,

said: ½Periodically, I am reminded by events that we must continue to work

with parents to help our students understand that no individual should be

harassed because of his or her race, nationality, religion or other personal

characteristic. Conversations with parents and staff have led me to believe

that occasional lapses in judgment do occur within the community.¾

The letter ended with, ½Working together, we can make a difference in reducing

the prejudice within our community.¾

Dr Reed has convened a large committee, headed by Pupil Personnel Services

Director Robert Chiappetta, to define student-to-student harassment and set up

procedures for handling the situations. The committee is also supposed to

write a position statement on such harassment.

Dr Reed said when the committee is done, the work will be presented to the

Board of Education for approval.

Mr Michael said the NAACP will then issue a final report, based upon what the

Board of Education does.

The superintendent said he does not think Newtown's problem with racial,

religious or ethnic harassment is unusual. Most towns must deal with such

concerns, he said.

Mr Michael said the African-American parents in town are concerned for the

personal safety of their children. In the younger grades, he said the children

are subjected to racial slurs. Some are not too affected, but others are,

especially when the harassment repeatedly occurs.

With the older students, Mr Michael said sometimes the harassment becomes

physical.

The committee has 21 members, who come from diverse backgrounds, Dr Reed said.

Committee member Gwen Parks, a Newtown High School teacher, said the work

reminds her of the work done on the diversity committee for the state.

½I think it is very positive this is being addressed,¾ she said.

The meetings are open to the public. For more information and meeting dates,

call the Board of Education at 426-7621.