Four females – two adults and two juveniles – were charged yesterday with assaulting a teacher at the C. R. Walker Senior High School, prompting a quick response from The Bahamas Union of Teachers [BUT] which is proposing a structured policy to deal with violence on school campuses.
The accused were also arraigned on trespassing and disorderly behaviour charges.
The four females, one of whom was listed as a student of the school, were allegedly involved in an altercation on the school’s campus around 12:15p.m. Wednesday, according to court records.
Michele Bethel and Katriona Pedican pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail. The identities of the other two females were not released because they are minors.
Their case was adjourned to March 24.
B.U.T. President Ida Poitier pointed out that the safety of teachers has always been one of the union’s main priorities, which is one of the reasons why the issue is outlined in its proposed three-year collective bargaining agreement.
“The union is encouraging teachers to press charges – if something happens to them on campus – against the person who causes harm to them because it seems as though everyone is attacking teachers and so we are asking them to press charges so if there are any damages they can receive payment for it,” Mrs. Poitier said.
The union is proposing in the bargaining agreement that in the case of intentional and deliberate assault and or battery upon a teacher, the principal shall immediately suspend the student and may recommend his or her expulsion from the school.
It also suggests that the employer “shall be responsible for all costs incurred as a result of injury sustained in such cases and the matter shall be reported to the police as it is the intent of the parties and the teachers to press charges.”
Additionally, the union wants the employer to allow the teacher in question time off for court appearances and ensure that there is no loss in monetary compensation.
More than a week ago there was an altercation reported at the Kingsway Academy School on Bernard Road where a confrontation between two students escalated when outsiders became involved.
Mrs. Poitier said there are many instances where irate parents and guardians assault teachers both verbally and physically, creating a serious concern.
“I just want to appeal to parents to see if they can speak to their children and try to resolve conflicts at home rather than bringing it to school. Somehow are children are very angry and so they lash out at persons around them,” the union president said.
The issue of creating and maintaining a safe working environment for teachers is addressed extensively in the proposal submitted to the government which calls for progressive disciplinary action when a student exhibits disruptive behavior and assaults a teacher or another employee.
If the B.U.T. has its way, surveillance equipment would also be installed to monitor persons entering and exiting the school.
Union and government negotiators are expected to soon begin talks discussions for the three year collective bargaining agreement.
By: Bianca Symonette, The Bahama Journal
