Philadelphia schools must implement tougher anti-bullying measures following legal settlement

By Staff Writer

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (HRC) has reached a settlement agreement with the School District of Philadelphia over complaints of widespread bullying at city schools.

A flurry of race-related violence and harassment allegations at a Philadelphia-based high school prompted the HRC to investigate the incidents. The organizations Asian Americans United, Boat People SOS and Victim Witness Services of South Philadelphia filed the complaints on behalf of three Asian students.

As part of the settlement, the high school under investigation will be required to submit an anti-harassment action plan and continue implementing polices and procedures to prevent bullying. The school district will ultimately be held responsible if the proper steps are not taken to combat racism among problem teens.

In addition, the school and district will be required to train staff annually on multi-cultural awareness and diversity, as well as promptly investigate all bullying allegations.

According to the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center, nearly 30 percent of youth in the U.S. - more than 5.7 million - are involved in bullying, either as a bully, target or both.