WASHINGTON, D.C.–Jeff Krehely, Director of the LGBT Research and Communications Project at the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement on today’s Conference on Bullying Prevention hosted by the White House:
“Today’s conference put the national spotlight on school bullying and the destructive impact it can have on youth who are bullied, the bullies themselves, and their families. Although the event is born out of tragedies, the conference will hopefully spark a robust national discussion about what we can all do to stop this problem. With an increase in bullying and full-on assaults on youth who are perceived to be gay or transgender, as well as those who are perceived to be Muslim, now is the right time to show leadership on this issue.”
The White House today brought much needed attention to the problem of school bullying by holding the Conference on Bullying Prevention. The conference brought together teachers, students, researchers, advocates, and other experts to discuss why bullying happens, the wide range of students who are often victims of bullying, and the policies and programs that are needed to address the problem more effectively. Guests also included several parents whose children took their own lives after severe bullying incidents.
The conference began with welcoming remarks from President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius also addressed the conference and talked about how their agencies were working to reduce the incidence of school bullying and help support youth who are bullied, as well as their families.
To speak to Jeff Krehely regarding the Conference on Bullying Prevention, please contact Christina DiPasquale at 202-481-8181 or [email protected].
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