Reference no: EM133487102

Problem: After the fifth time their son, Dorian, was punished for fighting at school, Stan and Eliza Johnson realized that they needed help. Dorian kept saying that he wasn't initiating the fights, but that wasn't stopping him from getting punished. They had discussed the issue with Mrs. Ross, Dorian's third grade teacher, but didn't feel like she was listening to their concerns. And Dorian was starting to get anxious about going to school. Clearly, all four of them needed something to change. Fortunately, the principal, Dr. Jobst, had extensive training as a mediator and was prepared to mediate the dispute. At their first mediation session, Dr. Jobst, the Johnsons, and Mrs. Ross gathered in the principal's office. Dr. Jobst asked the parties to explain what brought them to this point. "Tell me, Eliza," Dr. Jobst queried, "what is your perspective on the situation?" Eliza sighed and said, "I know that kids get into fights and a teacher has to maintain discipline. But even though Dorian is big and strong for his age, he's not aggressive. He just looks like he could be. I'm worried that he's being punished because of his size.