School Violence and Bullying

Floor Speech

* Ms. LINDA T. SÁNCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to discuss an important issue that affects too many young people across this country. As many students look forward to the new school year, there are too many who fear returning because their school environment is made unsafe by bullying. Bullying is not a rite of passage and no child should be afraid to go to school. An unsafe school environment, including one made unsafe by daily bullying and harassment, leads to increased absences and decreased graduation rates.

* A majority of parents, students, and educators report that bullying and harassment are issues of major concern. To combat this problem, I have introduced the Safe Schools Improvement Act which would help schools and school districts develop and improve anti-bullying and anti-harassment initiatives. Fortunately, others are also beginning to address this issue and are seeking ways to address bullying and make schools safer.

* One effort to combat bullying in our schools is the ``be a STAR (Show Tolerance And Respect) program'' being led by World Wrestling Entertainment, WWE, in collaboration with the Creative Coalition, the National Education Association's Health Information Network, NEA HIN, Stomp Out Bullying, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, and the National School Climate Center amongst others. This program provides teachers across America with a comprehensive toolset to teach children an anti-bullying message. `be a STAR' is providing an easily accessible teaching aid written by the NEA HIN and educator Dr. Fran Prolman that meets National Education Standards. This teaching aid is available at no cost to educators and is designed to promote positive and equitable social environments for students within and beyond the classroom setting. The alliance is also offering a ``Start Your Own Be a STAR'' Chapter toolkit encouraging students to spread the anti-bullying message in their schools and communities. The be a STAR Alliance has also been instrumental in encouraging students to seek out resources or proper intervention to help protect victims of bullying and other forms of intolerance through its `be a STAR' pledge.

* I had the opportunity to participate in anti-bullying events with WWE Superstars Rey Mysterio and Eve, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, American Idol Winner Jordan Sparks, actor Tim Daly, Dancing with the Stars' Chelsie Hightower and many more. I joined them at the Algin Sutton Community Center to discuss with children the issue of bullying and to deliver a strong anti-bullying message of tolerance and respect. The reaction from the more than 500 children and families that participated was very positive. Through its participation and leadership in the alliance, WWE has demonstrated a real commitment to raise awareness about bullying, and is working in local communities around the country and overseas to combat bullying in our schools.

* The anti-bullying movement has a new champion in the `be a STAR' Alliance, co-founded by WWE and The Creative Coalition and I want to commend them for the great work they are doing to promote equality for all people regardless of age, race, religion and sexual orientation.

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