Brooklyn Middle School Dean Arrested: When School Discipline Goes Too Far
An incident occurred at Charles O. Dewey Middle School in Brooklyn, New York where a dean of students was arrested for allegedly choking a 13-year-old student in the cafeteria. The altercation reportedly began when the dean instructed the student to change into his uniform, leading to a verbal dispute that escalated physically.
Elvin Ventura, 53, told the student to change into his uniform, but the student refused and said he would do it when he (the student) finished his lunch.
The student was on his way to class a short time later when Ventura prevented him from going upstairs with his friends. This started the incident. During the tussle, Ventura put the teen in a chokehold, constricting his breathing, police said. The incident was reported to school administrators and cops were called to the school. They took Ventura into custody at 3:45 p.m. Police charged him with strangulation, criminal obstruction of breathing, third-degree assault, harassment, and endangering the welfare of a child.
The incident took place in the cafeteria, in full view of other students. One student witness said “When our dean had the child in the chokehold, everyone stood up to try to get closer to see what was happening,”
According to the same student, students had just been called inside when the incident occurred but were quickly let back outside. The witness’s grandfather stated that he frequently saw the accused dean, Ventura, outside the school. “He could have killed him. That’s really, really, crazy,” he said. “I mean, I would go crazy if they touched him.”
Ventura’s arraignment was on Friday, and he pleaded not guilty to all charges, according to court records. He was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in court again on July 8.
This incident shows the importance of effective policies and training regarding student discipline and the use of physical intervention in schools. Schools should establish and enforce guidelines that define acceptable methods for managing student behavior and make sure all staff members are equipped to handle conflicts appropriately without resorting to physical force when unnecessary.
But, What is a Dean?
The role of Dean of Students varies across schools in the US and often includes responsibilities related to student discipline, attendance, and overall well-being. In many middle schools, individuals in these positions may not be required to hold administrative qualifications. For example, job postings for middle school deans often list a bachelor’s degree as the minimum requirement, with a master’s degree preferred, and prior experience in teaching or counseling.
While deans sometimes have backgrounds in counseling and crisis intervention, there are instances where these positions are filled by individuals without extensive training in these areas. This variation in qualifications can lead to inconsistencies in handling disciplinary matters, especially when deans are tasked with managing student behavior without adequate preparation.
There is a concern that some administrative tasks, particularly those involving student discipline, are delegated to deans to alleviate the workload of principals and vice principals. This delegation can result in deans handling complex disciplinary issues without the necessary support or authority, potentially leading to situations where conflicts are mishandled. For instance, at Shaker Heights High School, the introduction of a Dean of Students aimed to relieve assistant principals of some disciplinary duties and implement restorative justice programs.
Accountability in school leadership is essential. When allegations of misconduct arise, it is imperative that thorough investigations are conducted, and appropriate actions are taken to maintain trust within the school community. Holding school officials responsible for their actions reassures parents, students, and staff that safety and well-being are prioritized.
Schools should invest in comprehensive training programs for all staff members involved in student discipline to be sure they are equipped with effective strategies and techniques. Additionally, clearly defined roles and responsibilities, coupled with appropriate qualifications for those in disciplinary positions, are equally important in maintaining a safe educational environment. Administrators are the ones that are responsible for all activity in the school and should not be passing along such important responsibilities to such individuals unless it is supported by local board and state policy.