Geneva plans reform of school disciplinary sanctions

The Geneva Department of Public Instruction (DIP) has announced plans to overhaul the educational sanctions system to foster a “healthy school climate” for the canton's 84,790 students. Anne Hiltpold, head of the DIP, stated that the reform aims to “restore authority to teachers” by ensuring that every rule transgression receives an appropriate response.

Key aspects of the proposed reform include harmonizing disciplinary practices and expanding the jurisdiction of the disciplinary council. Currently limited to orientation cycle students, the council would be empowered to handle cases involving children as young as 10 years old to address issues such as arson, death threats, and harassment.

The project also seeks to address violence occurring outside of school grounds if a direct link to the educational institution is established, addressing frustrations from parents of bullied children. Additionally, the DIP intends to explicitly include the prohibition of school bullying in the law and continue prevention efforts against racism and discrimination. A consultation process will be conducted with relevant stakeholders before a formal bill is adopted.