Citation

Derosier ME. J. School Violence 2004; 3(1): 5-16.

Affiliation

Frank Porter Graham Child Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1903 North Harrison Ave., Suite 101, Cary, NC 27511

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J202v03n01_02

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Since September 11, 2001, ethnic tensions involving persons of Middle Eastern descent have increased in the United States. This study examined the peer relationships of 748 fifth-grade students of different ethnic groups both at one month and eight months post-9-11. Results indicated that only Middle Eastern children showed a large drop in positive peer nominations and popularity over the course of the school year. Bullying of Middle Eastern and Hispanic students also showed a significant increase. Given that peer problems and bullying are detrimental to the school climate and promote violence, the need for proactive school-based programs to foster racial tolerance is discussed.