told me principal of our school told her something like she'd be pretty if she wasn't so fat. She didn't reply. As an employee, I am required to any inappropriate conduct to authorities. Tho I honestly don't think he meant the comment in a sexual way, our patients are sent to us for acute psychiatric illneses. They are also insecure, highly sensitive and concerned with appearance. If I tell her therapist or suggest that she tell or write a letter of complaint about our principal, he may make me a target. he's been at the hospital for two years and is a poor leader. He plays teachers against each other. I'm really in a bind.
2006-08-03 14:09:13 · 30 answers · asked by mollie 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
What the principal said was entirely innapropriate. Even if you did report it, I'm not sure if anything would be done about it, since it wasn't sexual or physical. What people don't seem to realize is how emotionally damaging comments like that can be. Make sure that this girl realizes that she's beautiful the way she is. Best of luck, and I hope this principal gets what he deserves.
2006-08-04 06:38:40 · answer #1 · answered by tumblingtumblers 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If this is a psychiatric facility and you as an employee are required to report inappropriate conduct, then by all means report this, because this is inappropriate to the extreme. If you feel uncomfortable in telling authorities you are not doing the children at this facility any favors by remaining silent, and are going against the rules yourself by staying silent. If he made this type of comment once, ithe odds are he's done it numerous times and about numerous subjects and chances are the kids keep it to themselves as to not cause waves. He sounds like an absolute bastard that has no business being around children, in particular troubled children. I have a mentally handicapped granddaughter and if this man were her principal I would literally make sure not only the authorities were notified but every member of that school board and every parent I came in contact with as well. Children need not suffer because of insensitivity or ignorance.
2006-08-03 14:28:56 · answer #2 · answered by janiskatt 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That could be construed as sexually inappropriate behavior. Of course it's her word against his. At best it's emotionally abusive and should be reported. Call Child Protective Services or whatever you have in your state and have them open a case. Sometimes that can be done anonymously. You don't have to prove whether that statement was true or not but as a professional in a capacity to care for someone with an acute psychiatric illness you have a legal obligation. Then it's up to them to prove or disprove what she said. And don't you have some sort of a protective clause in your State Mental Health Code to protect you when reporting abuse? Some sort of a Whistleblower's Act? There should be a list of resources that patients can use to call and report abuse. The number may be there. Good luck.
2006-08-03 15:56:01 · answer #3 · answered by Lizza 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why not address this with the principal? Why so quick to judgement? Maybe the statement was taken out of context. I know that I would want to be given a chance to give my side of the story under the same circumstances. If all teachers feel the same way you do and are afraid to address these concerns at the source is it any wander the man is a poor leader.
2006-08-03 14:22:07 · answer #4 · answered by blasted 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
be honest any adult male making a comment on the fact that a 15yr old girl would be pretty if she wasn't so fat is not right ..let alone the fact that he is the principle of her school that's just sick ...you need to stop and think of what else is going on this is a very serious thing and anyone in his position these days should not act in this way ...inform the authorities and let them investigate it further..how would you feel if in the future you found out that he was really up to no good and you could have prevented things from going further...at the least he is not doing the right thing by telling a young girl that she is fat just because of all the issues of society on women being thin....he is supposed to be there to help these kids not to make them feel worse
2006-08-03 14:22:20 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That was so inappropriate. I can't believe a principal would do that! He can't get away with that, please don't let him. As a mother, I fear for what will go on at school that I won't know about, but hopefully there is enough decent people (like you) at the school to help protect all of our children. We really should be able to trust the teachers, (and principals!), when we send our kids off to school for the day. I'd try my hardest to get that loser out of there for everyone's sake! There's my 2 cents....
2006-08-03 14:23:37 · answer #6 · answered by pagangirl26 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't envy you the spot you are in, but if I were you then, hell yes I'd report his sorry butt.
His comment may not have been sexual but it was totally inappropriate.
Don't worry about what he might do to reciprocate. You have a job to do and part of that job is to help those students. Document absolutely everything that happens from this point on and if he gives you trouble, report him to the highest authority.
The only reason people like him get away with stuff is because people allow it to happen.
Are you willing to fight for your students???
2006-08-03 15:38:15 · answer #7 · answered by mynx326 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The comment, IMHO, was inappropriate, because it was hurtful to a vulnerable person. But, given your situation, reporting it might not be helpful. Unless there are other reports against the principal, all it does is get you in trouble, and probably won't help the girl. Just be a mentor to her.
2006-08-03 14:19:34 · answer #8 · answered by warriorwoman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you answered you own question!!!! As an employee you are required to report it. So, if things go any further you can also be held as a contributor.
Saying you are in a bind is a cop out. You know the law requires you to report such things, so do it.
Geez, and we wonder why so many things happen now-a-days!!! This is certainly a great example.
2006-08-03 14:18:45 · answer #9 · answered by ladyw0llf 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A few things to consider - you are a "mandated reporter". - you have to report anything that is harmful to a child that you know of. Remember - you did not create the problem, he did.
And if he a poor leader and you do not report him, it continues.
You are looking out for yourself too by keeping your nose clean by reporting it. If you don;t report it and it comes out that you knew you have a greater problem.
And.. if he is a poor leader you may be doing everyone a favor. Don't think his superiors don't already know about his poor leadership.
If you are required - your decision is made or you risk your own job regardless.
2006-08-03 14:17:39 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋