Here’s the challenge out of our reporting on recent bullying and discipline issues at Percy Julian Middle School: How do we deal with this issue seriously while not overreacting to the scope of the problem or demonizing the alleged perpetrators who are, after all, our children?
We need a fair, professional assessment of the specific incidents and we need context to understand the breadth of the issue. We need the school district to honestly review its responses to these incidents. And then, with respect for the privacy of the individuals involved, we need the school board to lead a community discussion on the realities and the perceptions of bullying at Percy Julian.
Through it all, the rest of us need to have civil tongues, compassion for all involved and a determination to solve a problem, not to inflict further pain.