In October 2015, the City of Pawtucket, Rhode Island faced a crisis. During an after-school confrontation at Tolman High School, a School Resource Officer (SRO) grabbed a student and flipped him over in front of a crowd of students and staff. A classmate recorded the incident on his cell phone, and it quickly went viral on social media before a national audience.
The case study describes the implementation of the SRO program in Pawtucket, the incident itself, and its aftermath. This crisis unfolded in the age of social media, illuminating new challenges not seen in the past. Relevant stakeholders included school and city officials, teachers, students, and community organizations. The case gives students the opportunity to analyze the actions of different stakeholders during a time of heightened tensions and widespread publicity.
This case aims to teach students about the management of a high-profile crisis. They will have the opportunity to analyze the actions of different stakeholders, including school and city officials, teachers, students, and community organizations. Skills taught include crisis communication, decision making, and leadership. The case is appropriate for graduate and executive level courses in education, communication, and leadership
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