Dallas Independent School District Must Enforce a strong Anti Bullying Policy!

Bullying is an endemic problem in American schools and Anti-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) bullying is one of the most pervasive forms of bullying and often the weapon of choice for bullies, regardless of the bullied student’s sexual orientation. Yet many schools have not effectively addressed anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment.

The Dallas City Council may not control Dallas Independent Schools but they do have a duty to speak up on issues which are important to their constituents. When I am elected I will be a vocal leader on the Dallas City Council. I will shine a spotlight on this issue and  will bring a message for positive change to every DISD School Board Member.  I will lobby for an immediate change in policy and immediate enforcement of the policy they do have.

GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. and they recommend  four approaches that schools can implement now to address anti-LGBT bullying and make schools safer for all students. I support these recommendations.

1. Adopt a comprehensive anti-bullying policy that enumerates categories such as race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and gender expression/identity. Enumeration is crucial to ensure that anti-bullying policies are effective for all students. Policies without enumeration are about as effective than having no policy at all when it comes to anti-LGBT bullying and harassment, according to GLSEN’s 2007 National School Climate Survey.

2. Require staff trainings to enable school staff to identify and address anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment effectively and in a timely manner.

3. Support student efforts to address anti-LGBT bullying and harassment on campus, such as the formation of a Gay-Straight Alliance or participation in events such as the National Day of Silence and Ally Week.

4. Institute age-appropriate, inclusive curricula to help students understand and respect difference within the school community and society as a whole.

The Dallas Independent School District must adopt a stronger anti bullying policy! No child can focus on school work when they are fearing for their safety. This is a life and death issue and these children deserve a courageous leader at Dallas City Hall to be their voice on the Dallas City Council.  Every child deserves leader that will deliver a safe place for them to be educated.

When I am elected to Dallas City Council I will be the leader who offers vocal support to an issue that the DISD has largely been silent on. It is time for a change at Dallas City Hall, please click on volunteer and join our quest to unify District 2.