There is a great deal of discussion around the events of last week that resulted in a nurse taking her own life. What was thought to be a prank by a radio station turned into something much bigger and more significant. It also leaves a number of questions for society.

Jacintha Saldanha by all accounts was a quality nurse who cared a great deal about her patients and her profession. One family member is quoted as saying “People are saddened – it is still all very raw. She was well known and well liked in the community and she will be a loss. She felt especially privileged to work in the hospital in London – everyone is deeply shocked and saddened.”

We often talk at LCC about appropriate actions and decision-making. Who makes a decision to phone a hospital to find out personal information about people and their illness? At what point in the decision making process did these people ever think that this could go wrong or what they were doing was hurtful? Is everything acceptable for radio or TV ratings no matter what privacy is taken for granted? Just because the prankster thinks it’s funny, is it really funny? Why didn’t the bystanders, other people that knew about the prank, do anything to stop it?

The lesson is very clear now, way too far after the act and decidedly after a serious incident occurred, people realized their wrongdoing. They too are now saddened by their actions. What gives the right of someone to harass other people so an innocent person is harmed?

At LCC we have polices and procedures in place to stop harassment and bullying. We strive to provide a safe and secure environment in which to learn. We have people such as Ms. Shadley and Ms Grostern to offer support. . But often it’s bad decision making and reflection after the fact that are difficult to deal with.  It is our hope that you will think before you act and in all cases be kind to all people. In the end no one gets hurt with kindness.

If you wish to have your say on this subject, join me on Twitter: StevePoplar@lcc, #prankshurt. –Steve Poplar, Assistant Head – Student Life