Send strong message

Dear editor:
We have followed with interest the events that have transpired over the past couple of days. We own property in Fort Frances and pay school taxes, and feel strongly on the issue of bullying.
We have witnessed cyberbullying throughout our school system and are pleased that the Lakehead Public Schools Board has taken a strong view of cyberbullying.
In June, 2007, the provincial government passed Bill 212, the Education Amendment Act (Progressive Discipline and School Safety), and these provisions took effect on Feb. 1, 2008.
Our board has revised its Safe Schools Policies and Procedures to include these provisions. Bullying, of any kind, has been added to the list of behaviours for which students can be suspended.
Students may be suspended by the principal or expelled by the board for engaging in activities that may have a negative impact on the school climate, such as inappropriate online behaviour, including cyberbullying.
These changes to our policies and procedures is sending a strong message to the students, teachers, and parents that we will not tolerate bullying, of any kind.
From what I have read, the principal of Fort Frances High School will not even confirm that these students have been suspended, only “disciplined.”
If a strong message is not sent to the Fort Frances school community that any type of bullying will not be tolerated, do not be surprised when bullying, of every kind, continues throughout your schools.
Signed,
Brent and
Julie McGowan
Thunder Bay, Ont.