The Ethics and Culture of a Strip Search Gone Wrong

We see, in the recent strip search at the Quebec school, a case where an extreme interpretation of policy went horribly wrong. Schools need a crisis management strategy that has specific action items for differing levels of danger.

What was the ethical and cultural obligation of the so called officials before, during and after this crisis?
How were they qualified to interpret this policy?
Did they prepare for the aftermath of such an extreme response?

The vagueness of the policy was meant to give some leeway in the case of an actual, not perceived or suspected, threat or safety emergency to prevent harm. Marijuana doesn’t fire a weapon, explode or create a danger to the student population by existing in the pocket of a student waiting on a chair in the principal’s office until a parent, or actual law enforcement official can arrive to observe and protect the rights of a minor. My goodness even hardened suspected killers get a phone call for representation.

The officials were not qualified or experienced enough in crisis management to interpret this policy or the legal issue involved.
Could your organization overcome the culture of fear you just created in the company population?

We know that policy was adapted to accommodate the safety issue of guns, or the like, being brought into the schools. We know that there are certain measures to be taken to “maintain order” in any heavily populated institution; be it educational or otherwise.

Contingencies, while often not in the original policy can be planned for. Not all crises present a threat to safety or life. Certainly in this case we can see that the schools must develop not just policies but guidelines for dealing with the idea of drug possession in the school. Crisis management is about creating step by step plans where a multitude of options become clearly available. Without these well-thought out steps we have reactions and impulses based in fear; rather than critical thinking.

Here are a few recommendations
1) Consider your ethical and cultural obligations
2) Get professional advice so you don’t end up with a naked 15 year old in your office crying for her Mom; metaphorically speaking.
3) Make a plan for before, during and after the crisis

It is clear that this school/organization got caught up in the momentum of their efforts to rid the school of drugs and had an unrealistic perception of their power in the school and under the law.

We often see, in consultation, that organizations only want to keep their policies vague since they cannot possibly anticipate every possible circumstance. We can, however, bring specificity to solutions with the creation of a plan and a great list of “go to” professionals should something happen that is outside the realm of existing expertise.

To understand your organization's ethical and cultural responsibilities give us a call at 613-853-3345

Reference:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/yves-bolduc-backtracks-on-school-strip-search-policy-1.2961320