“Sticks and Stones and Shotguns at School: The Ineffectiveness of Constitutional Anti-bullying Legislation as a Response to School Violence” - K. Hart
Going on for some time now there has always been a bullying issue in different schools. Starting at such young ages, bullying takes place in every school, no matter what level the school is. Many people think of bullying in schools as an elementary problem but it ranges from all different ages and levels. In K. Hart’s article, “Sticks and Stones and Shotguns at School,” one particular incident is mentioned. That incident is Columbine. Throughout this article, K. Hart explains the different aspects of what happened at this tragic event. In this article we find out that the two students performed this outrageous act because of bullying. K. Hart explains, “Klebold’s taped statements, however, indicate otherwise; he speaks of the rage and resentment engendered by years of feeling left out and closes by saying “I didn’t like life very much”” (Hart 1110). This quote explains how the two students were verbally bullied. When K. Hart interviewed a football player, he found out that the whole school had tortured these two boys and called them terms such as “homo” (Hart 1111). Klebold and Harris, the two boys involved in the shooting, were bullied because of their own personal interests, such as witchcraft and voodoo dolls (Hart 1111). It is such a shame that those students had to go through the pain of other students harassing them because of their unique style. No one should ever have to suffer. This incident is a prime example of how bullying can lead to school violence. K. Hart explains that not only did Klebold and Harris want to get the other students back but also they said “I’m going to kill you all” (Hart 1111). This incident might not have been just from bullying but there could have also been issues in their home life that made this even worse. Dr. Dan Olweus explains, “it is a fundamental democratic right for a child to feel safe in school and to be spared the oppression and repeated, intentional humiliation implied in bullying” (Hart 1109). He is saying that it is completely wrong for a student to have to worry about going to school and being afraid. No parent should have to be concerned about what will happen to their child at school throughout the day. Many people do not think that bullying could lead to such a tragic event like what happened at Columbine High School. This behavior is unacceptable because of the school violence it leads too. Schools need to start taking control and be aware of what is going on with their student interactions.
By: Olivia Ciallella
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