Pennsylvania Anti-Bullying Workshop Criticized For Getting Too Personal

A Pennsylvania anti-bullying workshop is being criticized for forcing teens to answer uncomfortable personal questions — in front of their classmates. Although the “kindness workshop” was developed to decrease bullying and increase tolerance toward others, some parents are concerned it is simply providing bullies with more “ammunition” to use against their victims.

West Allegheny School District superintendent Jerri Lynn Lippert confirmed the workshop was held at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s West Allegheny Middle School and was attended by 285 students between the ages of 13 and 15.

In an interview with Post-Gazette, Lippert said she approved the kindness workshop, as “there were significant student issues,” which included outright bullying as well as “many unintentional acts… perpetuating common stereotypes on certain groups of students.”

According to Lippert, the program was “designed and conducted” by the “district facilitator and the middle school administrative team.” However, WTAE reports the curriculum materials were actually downloaded from the Public Allies Pittsburgh website.

Public Allies Director Jessica Ruffin said the school did not ask permission to use the materials. Furthermore, she said the curriculum was designed for young adults, not middle school students.

In her opinion, the material “definitely is not appropriate for middle school students.”

Although parents were informed about the workshop, and were given an opportunity to opt out, some of the parents said they were not provided with enough specific details about the program.

WXPI reports participants of the Pennsylvania anti-bullying workshop were asked to sit in a large circle, wearing masks. The students were then asked a series of personal questions. If their answer was “yes,” they were instructed to move to the center of the circle.

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During the exercise, students were asked whether they or anyone close to them experienced financial difficulties or have been incarcerated. They were also asked if they, or anyone close to them, “identifies as gay lesbian, bisexual, or transgender.”

The students were additionally questioned about their ethnic backgrounds, their religious beliefs, their parents’ level of education, and whether they have ever “had to hide or keep a secret.”

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Following the workshop, some of the participants complained to their families about the personal nature of the questions. Marie-Noelle Brig, whose son attended the program, said she is concerned some of the questions could give “more ammunition to a bully.”

Parenting.com reports at least one student is hesitant to “return to school because she is so upset by what happened.”

Although she approved the kindness workshop, Lippert admits she did not review the questions the teens would be asked, as she simply “trusted the team.”

Although the Pennsylvania anti-bullying workshop is receiving stark criticism for delving into the student’s personal lives, Lippert said it was meant to reduce bullying and increase tolerance.

“The intent of the workshop was to build a positive school culture and was not intended to offend any students. This activity was conducted, because we are advocating that all of our students be educated in a safe and nurturing environment, free of judgment, prejudice and bias, so they may learn and grow to their fullest potential.”

In response to the criticism, district officials have scheduled a meeting with students and their parents to address their concerns about the program.

Lippert also confirmed kindness workshop will not be used in any other schools in the West Allegheny School District. Instead, she and other administrators are forming a committee which will include parents, students, and teachers. In addition to the current anti-bullying program, the committee will evaluate the district’s drug abuse prevention program.

As bullying remains a serious problem at schools throughout the nation, administrators are tasked with implementing rules and preventative programs which promote safety without infringing on personal rights. Unfortunately, that is not an easy task.

Although the Pennsylvania anti-bullying workshop was clearly designed to promote tolerance and reduce bullying, some students, and their parents, believe it had the opposite effect.

[Image via stefanolunardi/Shutterstock]