It is not true, as stated in a Star-Advertiser story and editorial, that the state Department of Education “for the first time” is specifying protections based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in DOE policy (“Hawaii Department of Education discipline policy gets stricter on bullies,” Oct. 6; “A stronger plan to fight bullying,” Our View, Oct. 10).

DOE has for years specified sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as protected bases under these student misconduct rules (Ch. 19), and also in BOE/DOE policy 305.10 and code of conduct for employees, volunteers and contractors.

The problem has been that the DOE has not taken the steps to put anti-bullying measures into actual action in the schools and throughout the system to protect these and other students.

Bullying has gone on for too many years, targeting vulnerable students and populations, including special needs students and LGBTQ+ students.

It is a greater concern that DOE’s approach indicates that it will continue to focus on waiting for complaints and on how to punish students who bully, rather than on the education needed for staff and students alike to create truly inclusive and safe schools.

Josephine Chang

Nuuanu

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