Anoka-Hennepin district bullying lawsuit could be settled next week

An agenda for the school board's work session Monday night includes time to address a "consent decree" following a closed session with the district's attorney. Six former and current students claim the district failed to address their complaints of being bullied because of their sexual orientation.
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An agenda for the school board's work session Monday night includes time to address a "consent decree" following a closed session with the district's attorney. Six former and current students claim the district failed to address their complaints of being bullied because of their sexual orientation.

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Anoka-Hennepin school district approves lawsuit settlement

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MN News

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The district agreed to pay $270,000, which will be divided among the six current and former students who brought the lawsuits, hire new staff and adopt a system to watch for and report bullying. Supporters who attended the board meeting Monday night called the decision "historic." But former Republican State Rep. Kathy Tingelstad, the lone "no" vote, stepped down from the board in protest. The Pioneer Press has details ...

MN News

Progress, lingering concerns in Anoka-Hennepin school bullying approach

Students, teachers and staff at Anoka-Hennepin say a new anti-bullying policy appears to be making strides. The school district is scrutinized and facing lawsuits after a series of student suicides--some of which are tied to bullying. The Star Tribune reports there are fewer incidents so far this year. But some teachers especially remain concerned about the district’s neutral stance on discussion sexual orientation.

MN News

Anoka-Hennepin school board ends policy blamed for bullying

The school board voted Monday night to replace a controversial policy with a new one that they say will foster a safer and more tolerant environment for students. Critics say the district's old "neutrality" policy, which restricted teachers from addressing issues such as sexuality, left students at the mercy of bullies.

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MN News

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Anoka-Hennepin school district puts off vote on policy for controversial topics

School board members for the Anoka-Hennepin District will delay a final decision on language to guide controversial classroom discussions. The policy would cover how teacher discuss sexual orientation and religion. Officials say they want to nail down some additional details before voting on the plan.