Speech that is derogatory or harmful to students is not tolerated within Huntley 158 schools.
To emphasize and clarify some types of speech that is considered harmful, the Board of Education approved the following addition to its Student Discipline policy after consultation with the Parents United Diversity Council and the District’s legal counsel:
Conduct motivated in whole or in part by prohibited discrimination may be subject to increased disciplinary measures, where determined to be appropriate by the administration. The Board may also consider whether conduct was motivated in whole or in part by prohibited discrimination when determining whether to expel a student based on such conduct. Prohibited discrimination means conduct based upon actual or perceived color, race, nationality, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, gender identity, status of being homeless, immigration status, order of protection status, actual or potential marital or parental status, or pregnancy.
This language also is included in the student handbook.
Work is constantly ongoing within our schools to monitor conversations for harmful speech, to educate students about the harm caused by derogatory speech, and to discipline offenders. Anyone who experiences or witnesses harmful speech is encouraged to report it by telling a staff member or administrator, using the anonymous online bullying report form, or calling the anonymous tip line at (847) 659-INFO (4636).
The District also set a strategic plan goal for 2017-18 to create a framework for district alignment regarding restorative justice practices at each level. Restorative justice emphasizes repairing the harm caused by misconduct. The framework encourages cooperative processes between victims, perpetrators, and the larger community to help transform negative experiences into positive resolutions.
