Your Child Has Been Assigned to the Euphemism Room
In this video, Dr. Justin Baeder humorously critiques how schools rename discipline spaces to avoid calling them what they are.
Key Takeaways
- A euphemism doesn't change the function - Whether you call it a 'calm corner,' 'reset room,' or 'reflection space,' it's still a place students go when they're removed from class
- Honest language is better - Parents and staff deserve clear communication about what's happening with discipline
- The name doesn't matter — the practice does - Focus on whether the space is actually helping students rather than finding the perfect name for it
Transcript
Yes, Mrs.
Smith?
Hi, this is Dr.
Bader.
Sorry to bother you.
Wanted to let you know that Johnny got into a bit of a scuffle with another boy in the lunchroom today, so they're going to be spending the next two days in the euphemism room.
Yes, the euphemism?
Yes, it's in-school suspension.
No, the district requires that we rebrand everything with a euphemism, and we couldn't really come up with anything else, so we just call it the euphemism room.
That's right.
Thank you for calling.
Well, this isn't really a phone call.
This is a behavior outreach.
So if you have any other questions, just let me know.
But yes, I'm glad this BO was helpful.
All right.
Thank you.