To the Editor:
I am writing with great concern over an incident that took place at Malvern Middle School May 26.
My daughter, along with five other students, died her hair pink stripes. I am only going to write concerning my own child. Upon entering the school, no one other than students made comments about her hair. When entering her second period Social Studies class, my daughter was called to the front of the class with another pink-haired student. The teacher ridiculed and threatened her with zero grades the rest of the year. He also told her she would be sitting in the hall if she did not change her hair back to its normal color. Then he told her present grade to the remaining class out loud.
Since the hair was against policy, I would have understood the teacher asking my daughter to report to the office. I would even understand my daughter being sent home or a detention until the hair was restored to its normal color. The principal asked that her hair be returned to a normal color and I complied. My problem is that her grades have nothing to do with her hair. It was a violation of the HIPPA law to read my daughter’s personal information out loud without her or my permission. His actions were out of line. I talked to the principal of the middle school and asked for an apology to my daughter. I believe the apology should be given in front of the class, just as the ridicule was. The principal stated she would handle the matter. Yet, no apology has been given privately or publicly. The principal felt a public apology was not necessary.
Why are there two standards in this middle school system: one for an adult and one for the student? The penalty for violation of the HIPPA law would be stronger than for an apology.
Someone has to stand up for our students when adults disrespect them and their rights. How does the belittling of a student help in self-esteem and education? This matter should have been handled differently.
Debbie S. Ruthem
Malvern, OH
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