Anti-Bullying Conference 2026

Students participate in a workshop titled, "Real Conversations. Real Actions," where they discussed how to respond if they witness bullying.

Welcoming students to Shanker Hall and getting them warmed up for a day of participation and fun is UFT Director of Parent and Community Engagement Nicholas Cruz.

8th-graders Brianna Fernandez and Joeny Santos of MS 80 in the Bronx are all smiles in their UFT Anti-Bullying Conference T-shirts.

UFT Vice President for Middle Schools Richard Mantell encourages middle-schoolers gathered to ask themselves: “What’s one small thing you can do today or this week to make someone feel included?”

Students from MS 131 in Manhattan take a break to pose and show off their conference T-shirts.

Students from IS 285, the Meyer Levin School for the Performing Arts in Brooklyn, practice kiai, a vocal technique used in martial arts, during the “Karate for Change” workshop.

Speech pathologist Taylor McIntyre (left) of IS 285, the Meyer Levin School for the Performing Arts in Brooklyn, enjoys a laugh with a 7th-grader during a workshop.

Workshop facilitator John Mirrione, a former champion martial artist and breakdancer, leads students in taking the Anti-Bullying Pledge.

Students line up to have their T-shirts signed by Mirrione.