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Update on Mayor at NW Classen


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The following are emails from Joe Quigley
(Posted 5-14-03)

(5-13-03) We are anxiously awaiting the appearance of Hizzonner the Mayor this Thursday at NWClassen. I thought I would add a bit of information so you will know just how exploitive this whole sham is.
   Think of NWC as a large square with a slight break in one side. The second floor corridor which houses English, Math and Science is the most travelled as students have to get to these classes all during the day. The first floor is busy in the social studies wing on one side of the square with the main offices on another side, the third side having things like Band, Chorus and the gym. The Social Studies wing and the second floor corridor are the halls where you will encounter the most number of students on any given day between any given class period.
   The class that Hizzonner will be covering by his own choice is on that side of the square that is broken, and as it does not connect to the other sides, is not busy at all as it has only one classroom with no reason for any student to be in that area other than to attend that class. In other words, if you do not want to be mixed in with the hoi poloi this is an ideal location. By going down the first floor corridor from the office and passing the auditorium, band room, choir room and gym, you have the opportunity to get to the classroom while encountering the least amount of students as possible.
   At this time whether the Mayor covers classes all day or will travel the building at all is mere conjecture.
    A hand picked preferred class in an isolated part of the building with students being made aware far in advance that their substitute teacher is the Mayor is not the true conditions faced by a real practical substitute, or someone who is honestly trying to help the school district in its financial crisis. It will have no real impact as school is out three days later, and as James Michael Curley the once and infamous Mayor of Boston pointed out the collective memory has only 21 days. Summer ensues, other more pressing issues occupy the public, but the Mayor gets a photo op. As was noted by another teacher, this will be the Mayor's air craft carrier moment.
Joe Quigley

 

 

Sent the following to the big guns downtown at OKCPS HQ.
joe

As the 2002-2003 school year ends, and prior to the printing and distribution of the Student and Parent Handbook for the 2003-2004 academic year I am presenting the following changes.
Recent Federal Court rulings and other out of court decisions have pointed out that it is not enough to have policies regarding the protecting of students from bullying, harassment and discrimination, but these must also be clear and enforced. Unclear and vaguely inclusive policies are hard to enforce.
Therefore, the following changes would be beneficial.

(changes are in parentheses)

In the section SEXUAL HARASSMENT/DISCRIMINATION/GENDER OR DISABILITY DISCRIMINATIONS ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION EL-3A

"This District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, religion, disability, age or
(SEXUAL ORIENTATION) in hiring, or access to any of its services, programs or activities. Additionally, the District does not tolerate harassment based on race, color, gender, national origin, religion, disability, age, or (SEXUAL ORIENTATION)
Any student who believes that he or she has been the victim of discrimination, or harassment based upon gender, disability, or (SEXUAL ORIENTATION) shall file his, or her complaint directly to [name of appropriate person] who is the District's Title IX coordinator."

The above changes will make the District's inclusive policies clear, and may help avoid those occasions that could be prevented proactively, rather than dealt with after the fact, and could reduce the District's liabilities in the future by prevention rather than after the fact punishment or othrer corrective actions.
These changes will eventually have to be made either voluntarily or because of some action or litigation. The District could show not only leadership but a true interest in the welfare of ALL students if these changes were to be made before the district is forced to make them.

Joseph M. Quigley
NWClassen HS

 

Previous postings from Joe Quigley:

 

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