I am writing to invite you to the screening and discussion of the film “Bullied”. The screening will take place on February 24th at 7pm at the Anoka City Hall, 2015 First Avenue North, basement meeting room.
I hope you will consider this an opportunity to learn about bullying and the effects it has on our children and what we as community leaders, teachers, staff and parents need to do to stop the acceptance of bullying.
Bullying is nothing more than childhood stalking and needs to be addressed as such. It is not “a part of growing up” or a situation where “kids will be kids”. Acceptance of such behavior is the same as condoning gang violence, domestic violence, or molestation of children.
I look forward to seeing you at the screening of “Bullied” and your insight and comments to the serious situation plaguing Anoka Hennepin School District.
Sincerely,
Laurie Olmon
Councilwoman, mother, AH resident
They deserve and have earned a Crabgrass "No waffle" salute on that account. It shows real class for officials to be so helpful, open, and direct. I look forward to the success of the screening. At the city hall. We all also should be very thankful that people like Laurie are taking their time to make things better.
____________UPDATE___________
My understanding is that screening is supported by the advocacy groups, Join the Impact, and Gay Equity Team. Harmful bullying is, however, not uniquely a thing aimed against sexual orientation, even with that being a particularly regular target. I expect Anoka-Hennepin District 11 officials may attend, they have an anti-bullying policy, and if there is to be community discussion, it should start by noting that an organization such as Parents Action League, is not in any way pro-bullying. Indeed, the PAL at their web homepage, declare:
We Support
- The District 11 Bullying Prohibition Policy which states in part "An act of bullying, by either an individual student or a group of students, is expressly prohibited on Anoka Hennepin School District property, at school related functions, or in electronic form otherwise known as cyberbullying. This policy applies not only to students who directly engage in an act of bullying but also to students who, by their indirect behavior, condone or support another student’s act of bullying.....No teacher, administrator, other employee of Anoka Hennepin School District, volunteer, contractor, or bus driver shall permit, condone, or tolerate bullying."
Of course, opposing bullying at school is inconsistent with supporting it as proper at sporting events, shopping malls, church functions, public buildings (such as Anoka City Hall), libraries, sidewalks, or outside of PAL homes - as a target person might from time-to-time walk by.
Surely PAL people are not saying, "Our children are disapproved of if bullying another at school, but anywhere else the targeting of another kid is fair game."
That unequivocal and openly expressed PAL policy commitment has to mean that PAL people will support and attend the film screening, as scheduled, and will join in supporting and applauding the fortitude of City of Anoka in unhesitatingly providing citizens a convenient, county-wide screening venue. And if they show up and view the film, it will be a positive opportunity for them to join in and contribute to post-screening discussion.