Tomorrow, June 28, marks another milestone in the fight against bullying. Chairman Mike Honda and dozens of his colleagues are set to launch the Congressional Anti-Bullying Caucus.
The Congressional Anti-Bullying Caucus will be a premier forum for individuals and advocates from private sector organizations and non-profit agencies, educators, students, and everyday individuals, along with Members of Congress, to proactively respond to issues of bullying – both online and offline. This includes providing a safe environment to hear from individuals who have been involved in different aspects of bullying and also recognizing the importance of addressing external issues that lead to bullying behavior. We all share the responsibility of creating welcoming and inclusive environments to foster a more vibrant, educated, and respectful society. The Caucus will generate positive solutions — starting with an inclusive, focused dialogue.
Jen Herrick, Senior Policy Analyst, People For the American Way:
Following the increased media attention paid to bullying-related suicides in 2010, People For the American Way took a strong stand on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students and those who are perceived to be LGBT. Today we are proud to support the Congressional Anti-Bullying Caucus. We commend Chairman Honda and his colleagues for uniting to address what has become a pervasive national problem.
Leslie Watson Malachi, Director, African American Ministers in Action:
The hundreds of progressive faith leaders across the country who are members of African American Ministers in Action (AAMIA) comprise not only a body of clerics but also a body of concerned parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts, sisters and brothers of school age children and youth. We look forward to working with Chairman Honda and the Congressional Anti-Bullying Caucus to turn the tide on bullying.
Stay tuned for our special report from launch day!
In the meantime, click here for more information, and be sure to check out Big Bullies: The Right Wing’s Anti-Anti-Bullying Strategies, which details the efforts of right-wing activists and organizations to prevent school districts from implementing strong anti-bullying policies that protect LGBT and LGBT-perceived students. This Right Wing Watch: In Focus report is an update to our April 2011 edition.