Soccer Dad

TA's anti-abuse program

Talmudical Academy of Baltimore sent out a letter to its parents two weeks ago that it has instituted an anti-abuse program. The letter defines what actions are considered abusive and sets up a chain of command for dealing with allegations. Included in the program is an ombudsman that children or parents could turn to if they are uncomfortable going to the principals.

When I think back on my time in TA, I wonder if this program would have helped uncover the abuse that was going on during the time I attended the school. The new program would not allow a principal to be involved if the allegations concerned him. But if the abuse were discrete enough, I don't know that it would have been possible to build a case against the recently revealed abuser even given these new guidelines.

I do know that there were three teachers I had who would have run afoul of these guidelines. One for abuse, as he was inclined to twist ears and inflict other similar discomforts on his students. The other two told inappropriate jokes. I don't know what level of action would have been brought against these three. That's not clear from the letter. What is clear is that their behavior violated the new guidelines.

talmudical academy.