School Board agrees to strengthen penalty for hate speech

The penalty for a student using hate speech is no longer limited to an eight-day suspension in the Webb City R-7 School District.

On Tuesday, the School Board agreed to change policy in order for the superintendent to be able to determine if long-term suspension is the appropriate penalty.

Board members read a letter from a student describing an incident that apparently deserved more than the standard eight-day suspension.

Superintendent Tony Rossetti said he recommended the policy change in order to raise awareness that “we’re not going to tolerate” name calling.

The regular monthly meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss personnel.

Part of the discussion was likely about the process for selecting the next superintendent. Rossetti submitted his letter of resignation during the September meeting. His resignation won’t take effect until June 30, 2024.