The Principal as a Bully: A Personal Account from the 1970s
During my time in a public school in the early 1970s, the principal was a remarkably difficult individual, considering him a bully who often - and unjustly - targeted students. This article aims to shed light on the bully principal phenomenon through personal experiences, highlighting the issues faced and how a group of concerned parents brought about a change.
From Old Pipes to Modern Dress
During the early 1970s, the school system was witnessing a significant shift in fashion and behavioral norms. Gone were the formal dress codes, replaced by a more relaxed and liberal approach, particularly regarding hairstyles and clothing. More boys sported long hair, while girls were seen in micro minis and hot pants. In this setting, my school, much to my dismay, continued to uphold archaic standards of appearance.
Chasing Uniforms and Fashions
One of the principal's pet peeves was the length of students' hair. Despite the absence of formal rules regarding male hairstyles, he made it a habit to call boys to his office, scolding them for their hair length. This issue wasn't limited to males; girls who opted for mini skirts and hot pants, which were technically acceptable in the dress code, found themselves in the principal’s office. The principal would berate them for their fashion choices, citing nonexistent reasons and even questioning their appearance.
A Specific Incident
A particular girl was often targeted. She was considered pretty and always looked good in mini fashions. One day, the principal accused her of not having the figure to wear such clothes, which was completely untrue. She had plenty of male admirers both in and out of school. Despite this, the principal continued his verbal attacks, reducing her to tears.
The Toughest Time in Class
During the 1970s, it was clear the principal had a vendetta against me. I had consistently broken dress codes through my art-themed t-shirt, faded jeans, and multiple rings. He suspended me from class for over an hour, shouting at me about my outfit and baseless rumors he had heard about me. I tried to point out the absurdity of the situation, but he was seemingly intent on creating a scene. His threats escalated to the point where I could feel his fist coming toward me, though he eventually backed down.
Moreover, the principal claimed there were no established dress codes, but he simply didn't like how I dressed. When I attempted to inquire about the rumors, he refused to specify, continuing to rant about me with little regard for the facts. It was a difficult time, filled with threats and unsupported accusations.
Parental Intervention: The March to Freedom
Thankfully, one lady who had two sons enrolled in the school stood up against the principal. She coordinated with other parents and organized a march to his office. The day of the march, I was walking across the hall by the principal's office when the women arrived. They were angry and charged into the principal’s office, nearly causing a riot. The force of the door slamming was sufficient to send papers flying and the volume of their protests could be heard from the second floor classrooms.
The aftermath was significant. The principal became much more subdued and allowed students to attend classes without further interference. His behavior changed, and he became polite towards one of the sons of the march's leader. This experience taught me that it is essential to stand up for what is right, especially when it comes to protecting young people.
In conclusion, the story of the bully principal serves as a reminder of the challenges faced during the transition from strict disciplinary measures to more liberal school environments. It also highlights the importance of parental involvement and collective action in ensuring a safe and supportive educational experience for all students.