[Libby K]

I agree with the multiple-choice checkbox for 'type of harassment'. I had to write 'other' and write in just about every option.

This is the second year in a row my kids have been screamed at and shoved around over seating. We travel with a group anywhere from 45-80 people, so we understand that we take up a lot of space, and try to be as thoughtful as possible in choosing where to sit and how we behave. Is everyone on our team perfect? Certainly not, but we dang sure try to keep it gracious and professional.

Each one of our students is well-versed in the rules, both from the manual and our team's materials. For 1923's travel meetings, we say this, though in a much longer-form discussion:

-If there's someone in the seat, that is their seat. You have no right to ask them to move. (Yes, even if it's a seat you got up from earlier. You don't own it, and you left it empty. Tough luck.)
-If someone's stuff is in a seat, don't touch it - just leave it alone. If you really need somewhere to sit and that's your only option, ask that seat's neighbor if you may sit there until the other person returns.
-If there are no people or backpacks in a seat, you may sit there, as it's open.
-If someone gets in your face about it, say the following. "I'm sorry sir/ma'am, but the manual actually prevents saving seats. May we sit here while the seat is empty?"
-If that person escalates, call one of your mentors over. You will not have to deal with harassment alone.

I had written out a whole thing about our last two years of experiences, but I honestly get exhausted all over again thinking about it. It boils down to the following; My kids have been screamed at, called ungracious, pushed, shoved, and even kicked - over asking to sit down in empty seats.

Every single one of our incidents has involved an adult from another team, not a kid.

Overzealous adults are a good chunk of the problem with seating. I've very rarely seen students be rude about it. Teams need to make 'don't be a jerk' a part of their culture, and that culture needs to be explained to the parents who travel with you.

Volunteer harassment is a whole separate issue I don't want to get into on this already-ranty-post. I could write a book. Maybe more than one.