1. The 1997 beating and murder of sixteen-year old Reena Virk by her peers actually occured away from school propery. Nevertheless, the Greater Victoria School District (GVSD) has been the subject of much media attention" (Walton, 2004, p.24)
1.1. Synthesis?
2. Bullying
2.1. "In the small farm community of Taber, Alberta (known for it's Grade-A corn crops), a lone student randomly opened fire on his classmates, leaving one student dead and another injured" (Walton, 2004, p.24)
3. Homophobic Bullying
3.1. Challenges
3.1.1. It's not just fellow students who perpetrate this problem: "Merely discussing LGBT issues ins cools or including homophobia in anti-bullying programs compels some people, particularly parents, to metaphorically froth at the mouth... Acts of homophobia against students is even perpetrated by a few teachers and administrators" (Walton, 2004, p.28)
3.1.1.1. ...
3.1.2. Acts of homophobia against students is [sic] even perpetrated by a few teachers and administrators" (Walton, 2004, p.28)
3.1.2.1. ...
3.1.3. "Educational policies and accompanying programs typify bullying as a problem of specific children who need specific interventions or punishments. There is no focus on systemic problems (e.g. homophobia) that manifest some of these behaviours" (Walton, 2004, p.29)
3.1.3.1. ...
3.2. Recommendations
3.2.1. "Beyond the limited role of individual accountability, the development of whole-school cultures of nonviolence is essential. Teachers and administrators are key leaders in forming such a culture; few have taken up the challenge" (Walton, 2004, p.30)
3.2.1.1. ...
3.2.2. "Astute educators can use incidents of homophobia as 'teachable moments' for education, therby modeling a pro-LGBT climate in the classroom" (Walton, 2004, p.32)
3.2.2.1. ...
3.2.3. "A critical examination of concepts such as 'safety' and 'bullying'--words that have become common currency in educational discourse--high-lights historical, cultural, social, and political contexts...Asking such critical questions and understanding complex problems such as bullying and homophobia are crucial for improved educational administration on 'safe schools'" (Walton, 2004, p.32)
3.2.3.1. ...
4. "Safe Space"
4.1. This need for safe schools was created in reaction to violence at schools, particularly school shootings. The need for safety was born out of fear that these shootings created (Walton, 2004, p.24)
4.1.1. ...