LANSING, MI (WLMI) — Michigan State Superintendent Brian Whiston is speaking out against an uptick in harassment, bullying, intimidation and more in schools since last Tuesday’s election.
There was an incident at DeWitt Jr. High last week that ended in the suspension of several students for blocking the path of a fellow student, who is Hispanic, that prevented her from accessing her locker.
Dr. John Dieter, DeWitt Schools superintendant, said in an e-mail to parents last week that the school will have teachers and administrators talk to students about unity and take extra anti-bullying measures to discourage a repeat of the event.
Another incident of bullying related to last week’s election has also been reported at Okemos High School.
Whiston said at the national level over the past year, the political debate went “to a new low,” and said it’s impacting students. He is calling on principals, teachers and parents to help kids understand bullying and intimidation “is unacceptable and will have consequences.”
