I came across a recent article featured on wcpo.com, a local news authority for Cinncinati, Ohio, that caught my attention. It describes a recent federal lawsuit filed in Milton, OH by a mother after he son endured an embarrassing and emotionally damaging experience. While at school, a prank was played on the 11 year old boy by his teacher and teachers aide. They pretended to cut his hair and then proceeded to place ponytails in his hair, parading him around school saying that he was a new female student.
The lawsuit filed was primarily based on discrimination by gender and how the prank violated the boy’s rights. This type of discrimination is not allowed in any school that receives federal funding. On a more personal level, I believe this was a very cruel trick that was played on the student. If anything, teachers (and other staff) should be helping instill a sense of confidence in their students. The elementary, middle and high school years are difficult enough as is and it is critical that children feel accepted and be in an environment of trust and comfort.
