A lot of people out there must be pretty frustrated with their teenagers and their schools, based on the public outcry over a 16-year-old who married her 40-year-old coach. The relationship started when she was 14. I know what most of the teens I know would say: "Ewwwwww! That's disgusting!" and make fake retching noises.
Personally, I'm confused about this. What are the cops thinking in Brunswick County, N.C.? Again, we have southerners acting out the dimmest stereotypes and the cops doing nothing. What is up with these people? Even if the parents couldn't bring themselves to bring charges because they were so emotionally distressed, law enforcement should have had the good sense to move forward. The school district couldn't seem to compile enough evidence. Heck, here in Clovis, the parents would have hired a private detective of their own and they'd have the evidence, fingerprints, photos and DNA samples ready for the district attorney in a week's time.
That's all goofy enough. But here is what got my attention. This is the FOURTH case in ONE year of an adult male teacher having an inappropriate relationship with an underage girl in this district. But wait, there's more. Is this so like bureaucracy? They are "considering" sexual harassment training. And maybe it should be conducted by "outside" firm... Ya THINK? (Is this 2007 or 1957?) Of course, there should be sexual harassment training. They should have been requiring it every year for 15 years! Where is their H.R. department? And how about offering a class in women's studies for the students? Frankly, I'm surprised this district hasn't been sued down to its boxer shorts by now.
Oh, and the board is also considering having teachers sign an "ethics pledge." Oh, yeah, that will help a lot. Gosh, why hasn't the sex crimes unit thought of that? When in doubt, the answer from bureaucrats is always, "More paper!"
There's a lot of squabbling going on here, but at least in Fresno Unified, the teachers are arguing over "test" scores and not "who" scores.
Four in a year is horrible. You're right-- when things are going that wrong, it's time to commit to real change, not a paper pledge.