Student Fights Also A Danger To Teachers

By Lori Fullbright, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Girls fighting at school.  A News On 6 story on Monday about the skyrocketing number of girl fights at Tulsa Public Schools really struck a nerve.  The News On 6 received phone calls and e-mails from teachers, principals and parents who are grateful that a light is being shined on the disturbing problem.

The first story focused on the kids hurting each other, but there's another angle to this problem.  Teachers are getting hurt when they try to break up the fights.

K Holland is a teacher at Clinton Middle School.  On September 10th, she got slammed into a wall, while breaking up a fight between two girls between classes.  She needed shoulder surgery last week.

"I radioed for help because when you see students gather, you know there's a problem. I whistled, trying to get them to stop. I yelled, everything. And, I had to work my way through a group of kids who were not even supposed to be on that floor. But, they had all texted, even though they're not supposed to have phones, what was going to happen," said Clinton Middle School teacher K Holland.

Tulsa Public Schools says girl fights have skyrocketed this year.  Four themes keep popping up about the issue. 

First, is how angry kids are these days.

"The difference between boy fights and girl fights is girls won't stop. Boys will stop if you walk up on them, but girls keep going. You have to physically separate them," said Principal John Autry.

Second, the consequences for fighting are not tough enough to get the kids to quit.

For a first offense, they get in-school punishment.  The second offense yields a three day suspension which is like a vacation for many.  And, if they keep fighting, they get sent to an alternative school.    

The third issue is cell phones which allow kids to communicate and plan like never before.

"They're supposed to be in their car or locker. They can text faster than I can think from one to another and things happen," said Teachers Union President Denzel Kesterson.

The fourth issue is parents.  Some are encouraging or egging on the violent behavior.  Others defend their kids' fighting behavior.

Schools have counselors who talk to kids about anger and handling conflicts.  They require staff to be in the halls in between classes.  They have anti-bullying speakers, offer rewards for good behavior, but still the fighting happens.

The fight that injured Kay Holland started because one girl looked at another, the wrong way.

Related Story:

10/06/2008  Schools Seeing More Fights Between Girls