Hamilton Southeastern Schools has added a new controversial section to its handbook regarding microaggression. The intent behind highlighting microaggression is to start conversations between students and administrators and teachers on how intentional or unintentional discriminatory words can hurt others.
HSE’s student handbook, which applies to 21,000 Hoosier students, defines microaggression as “every day, subtle, intentional or unintentional interactions or behaviors that communicate some sort of bias toward stigmatized, or culturally or historically marginalized groups.” The handbook states that even though students might not realize their words are discriminatory, they believe as educators it is their responsibility to use “restorative conversations” to help correct students’ bias language.
“While Hamilton Southeastern understands those individuals communicating a microaggression might not intend to express bias, the school recognizes the responsibility to educate students on the reality of bias perceptions. Issues regarding microaggressions may be addressed through restorative conversations led by school administration, teachers, and/or guidance counselors rather than punitive measures. Habitual occurrences could lead to consequences applicable to inappropriate conduct as defined in Section 28.”
Many members of the HSE community are in favor of the new language added to the handbook. However, Tony Katz says this is a failed attempt at stopping bullying and encourages woke victim mentality.
“This is the hate stuff we don’t want for our kids. It’s hate, of course it is. Now you’ve got kids listening for how someone slighted them so they can say ‘this person was engaged in microagression’ so they can talk about how they are a victim. That’s what you’re teaching. You’re not teaching goodness.”
The new policy went into effect at the start of this new school year which began on August 5th.
https://omny.fm/shows/tony-katz-and-the-morning-news/hse-integrates-micro-aggression-policy
