Every bias incident at school violates someone's sense of safety, respect and belonging. An incident that involves a violent assault, clash or threat of violence requires specific responses addressing acute physical danger.
When a bias incident threatens the safety of anyone at school, consider the following steps:
• Alert authorities. Contact school security officers or local law enforcement if anyone poses a direct threat to students or staff. This is not only a safety measure but also a signal to students that hate crimes are serious matters. Be aware, though, that the dramatic arrival of armed police can escalate tensions. Request that police arrival be quick but low-key and that the number of officers be appropriate to the situation.
• Follow school safety procedures. Assist anyone who is injured. Provide first aid and emergency services as needed. Contact a parent or guardian of any minors who are injured.
• Restore order. Isolate offending students as quickly as possible. (see also Enforce Appropriate Consequences for Offenders) Direct uninvolved students back to classrooms. If necessary for safety, hold bells and deliver intercom or written messages to teachers to keep students in classrooms until further notice. Assure students and teachers that everyone is all right or being cared for and that you will provide more information about what has happened as soon as possible.
• Protect witnesses and informants. Use a telephone tip-line to provide a safe means for students or parents to report information anonymously.
• Take rumors of violence seriously. Make clear to everyone that all such rumors — whether well-founded or bogus — present a threat to safety. Emphasize that anyone hearing such a rumor should report it to the principal's office immediately for investigation.
Larry Turner, Boston mediator for the U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service