To whomever this may concern,
After careful deliberation, The Fairness Committee has settled on a formal recommendation to the administration. First of all, we are recommending a “complaint hierarchy.” When a person has an issue with a teacher or class, then he/she should first go to the teacher or their advisor with that problem and try to work it out with them. If the student feels ignored, then he/ she should then go to the department chair. If he/ she still feels like their complaints have not been addressed, then the case should be brought to The Fairness Committee. If, after all of this, the concerns are not answered, he/ she should then, as a last resort, go to a Principal or Head of School. We put this in place because we feel like there can often be a miscommunication and hurt feelings when either the teacher or student tries to go above the other’s head. This hierarchy will be included in the student/ parent handbook, and followed in good faith by students, teachers, and parents.
Our second recommendation applies to the teachers. We suggest that they raise the participation percentage in their classroom to be around 20%. The reasoning for this is to aid the teachers when the class gets out of hand, and is done so on an individual level. If a teacher sees that a student is being too disrespectful, talking excessively, taking long breaks, etc., then this will more directly affect the student’s grade. If the student shows good behavior, then he/she can earn the deducted points back.
We must all realize that this is a Just Community and therefore we all take action and aid each other. Many felt like this case wasn’t fair because the entire grade did not act disrespectfully. However, acting as bystanders is just as bad. Therefore this case, and the associated recommendations, applies to the entire grade.
If The Fairness Committee or the teachers find that this level of respect has not changed to the expected and mature standards of a Senior class, consequences will ensue in compliance with school policy. These include the revocation of off- campus privileges, in school suspensions, etc.
If there are any complains or concerns, we would be happy to address such in a respectful maner.
To a better future and stronger democracy,
Your Fairness Committee