HRC Blog

The following post is from New Hampshire field organizer Katie Drapcho: Not only has the newly elected conservative majority in the New Hampshire legislature tried to repeal marriage equality, they are also taking aim at the anti-bullying bill that passed with bi-partisan support in 2010, and is regarded by anti-bullying organizations as a national example of a proactive and inclusive policy. It contains specific protections for LGBT students and allows schools to address cyber and off-campus bullying that interferes with a student's education.

The following post is from HRC Foundation Welcoming Schools Director, Kim Westheimer: A study released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 27% of middle school students and 16% of high school students in Massachusetts have been bullied. The study shows an association between bullying and poor grades, suicidal ideation, self-injury, and witnessing violence in the home. This type of survey can inform school officials and policy makers about the general scope of the problem of bullying. But there are a few missing pieces.

Personal stories of bullying and harassment from DC youth took center stage earlier this afternoon at the Rally for “Bully Free” DC, as District of Columbia youth, teachers, families, and activists joined lawmakers on the steps of the Wilson Building to celebrate the introduction and urge movement of the Bullying and Intimidation Prevention Act of 2011 (B19-11).

Students across DC suffer every day from bullying and harassment, which can lead to increased violence in schools, suicide attempts, mental health issues, and disciplinary measures that disrupt classrooms. To fight bullying in DC Public Schools, HRC has joined DC’s Safe Schools Coalition. This Thursday, April 21 at noon, District of Columbia youth, teachers, families, and activists will gather with lawmakers at the Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, to celebrate the introduction and urge movement of the Bullying and Prevention Act of 2011 (B19-11). The Bullying and Intimidation Prevention Act is a critical anti-bullying measure which will protect students by requiring DC Public Schools and other District agencies that work with youth to pass comprehensive anti-bullying policies.

The following post comes from Shirin Khosravi, HRC field organizer in the Hudson Valley, working to make marriage equality a reality for all New Yorkers: College campuses have been crucial in our fight for marriage equality in Rensselaer and Saratoga Counties. Sage College, U Albany, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have all welcomed me onto campus, and students are eager to be involved.