The BRAVE campaign against bullying in schools

WHEREAS bullying in New York City public schools continues to pose a problem and be a concern for students, educators and parents of students despite ongoing efforts to address the issue and reduce instances of school violence; and

WHEREAS every seven minutes, a child is bullied either physically or emotionally.

WHEREAS just as educators have a right to work in a safe environment, students have a right to attend schools without having to fear for their safety or the threat of psychological intimidation or physical harm; and

WHEREAS existing programs and policies designed to combat bullying in schools can benefit from additional supports; therefore be it

RESOLVED that the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) embark upon an anti-bullying campaign that will be known as Be BRAVE Against Bullying, BRAVE being an acronym for Building Respect, Acceptance and Voice through Education; and be it further

RESOLVED that the Be BRAVE Against Bullying campaign seek to reduce instances of all forms of bullying and bolster the success of the Respect For All program starting with an October 2011 launch of the campaign in collaboration with the New York City Council, the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA), the New York City Department of Education (DOE) and the office of the Brooklyn District Attorney as well as other groups such as GLSEN, New York Peace Initiative, Stand Up and Lead and MTV, among others; and be it further

RESOLVED that the Be BRAVE Against Bullying campaign seek to provide increased access to resources, organizations, and related curricula for schools and communities; and be it further

RESOLVED that the Be BRAVE Against Bullying campaign seek to establish an anti-bullying hotline for New York City students; and be it further

RESOLVED that the UFT BRAVE campaign work with New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) on developing and refining anti-bullying measures and policies at the Northeast Anti-Bullying Conference in Albany, NY, on November 14, 2011.