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Name-calling
does hurt, citizens
tell school board
members
Testimony at a public hearing
By Mary Adamski
focuses on the ill effects of
discrimination and taunting
Star-BulletinRemember the old adage "sticks and stones can break my bones but names will never hurt me?"
It's a lie, said the people who testified last night about a Board of Education proposal to discipline students for taunts and teasing based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, disability or sexual orientation.
"Intimidation and humiliation on the basis of personal identity have the effects of social isolation and self-destructive behavior," said Peter Whiticar, chief of the state Department of Health STD/AIDS Prevention Branch.
"Denigration begins to kill from within," said Kyle Kajihiro of the American Friends Service Committee. "I have great memories of school ... but I recall how cruel children were."
His memories include joining the teasing of a mainland girl and, days later, hearing a teacher point out the girl's empty desk when the jibes drove her out of the school.
"I am still haunted by it," Kajihiro said.
Nancy Kern of the Hawaii Safe Schools Coalition and most other speakers last night focused on harassment on the basis of sexual identity. Youngsters who are perceived to be homosexual are subject to "ridicule, taunting and harassment in schools," she said. "They are vulnerable because of the way they are treated by their peers and also by teachers.
"A climate of hate and discrimination affects all kids," said Kern, who said she conveyed the stand of the coalition of 30 agencies.
"Harassment and intolerance have public-health consequences," said Susan Howard, a public-health information consultant. For youngsters who are homosexual, "a low self-image begins with rejection and hopelessness. It contributes to youth becoming victims of abuse or of their own self-hate."
There is a higher than average rate of suicide among homosexual youths, she said.
Harry Lee, chairman of the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, urged approval and enforcement of the rule as a first step "to end a growing pattern of harassment, not only in public schools." He cited recently publicized "racially motivated incidents" and urged the board to implement training for students and teachers "so this behavior isn't condoned."
Cameron Miyamoto of the Hawaii Safe Schools Coalition said, "Every child has a right to education free from violence, discrimination and intolerance."
The proposed revision to Chapter 19, the student misconduct and discipline code, would broaden the prohibition against discrimination and harassment, which is a Class B offense, punishable by a variety of penalties up to dismissal from school.
Public hearings will continue:
Wednesday: 6:30 p.m., Heeia Elementary School, Kaneohe.
