Fighting Back Against Bullies A new Teaching Tolerance documentary points the way

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1 Fighting Back Against Bullies A new Teaching Tolerance documentary points the way The Film Is Based on a Story. Jamie Nabozny carefully planned his every move at school. He had to. The bullying by his classmates in Ashland, Wisconsin, was unrelenting. The attacks began in middle school. Jamie knew he was gay and had told his family, but hadn't come out to friends and classmates. It didn't matter; his classmates saw him as gay. At first, the bullies called him names. That progressed to tripping and shoving, and then to kicks and punches. They ganged up on him in the restroom. Jamie was once kicked so hard that he had to go to the hospital. Jamie adapted as best he could. Before the first class bell rang, he was already mapping out his day. Jamie got to school early to miss the rush and took refuge in quite corners. He used hall passes to avoid crowded class changes. And he looked for out-of-the way restrooms where he wouldn't be attacked. Only after other students left school would Jamie finally make his way home. "I spent a lot of time thinking defensively, which is a strange thing to have to do at school," said Jamie, who is now in his mid-30s. "Looking back, I feel like I tried to be numb as much as possible to not feel what was happening." Jamie reported the abuse to teachers and administrators, but they did little to stop the bullies. A middle school administrator told Jamie he should expect to be bullied if he was going to be gay. A high school official asked him what he did to cause the attacks. Nabozny's story is told in the new Teaching Tolerance film Bullied: A Student, a School and a Case that Made History. The documentary shows how Nabozny courageously stood up for his rights. He filed a lawsuit against the district and school officials. His suit led to an important court decision that public school officials had to protect all students from bullies, even those who are lesbian, gay, bi-sexual or transgender (LGBT). Viewer's Guide Offers Advice for School Leaders: The Bullied viewer's guide that comes in the film kit includes professional development activities and guidance for school leaders as well as classroom lessons. While most schools and educators will act promptly when faced with bullying based on race, religion or ethnicity, many are less likely to confront harassment based on sexual orientation. The Bullied guide provides guidance in a series of answers to the questions educators who use the kit may be asked by their colleagues, members of the community or parents. The guide addresses these important issues: Why is a film on anti-gay bullying necessary? What are the risks to students? What is at stake for the school? Does the ruling depicted in Bullied apply to my school? What about a teacher's, student's, or parent's personal beliefs? How can I explain the decision to use Bullied to my school community? How can I use Bullied in staff development? How can I assess my school's climate? Where you I find resources for effective anti-bullying programs? PHOTOGRAPHY BY TODD BIGELOW FALL 2010 TEACHING TOLERANCE Page 1 of 8

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6 Bullying Prevention Awareness 1 st Year Students Orientation: This week s on-line assignment is about bullying in the school and the workplace. We are discussing this subject because bullying is an illegal form of discrimination under America s Civil Rights Act. It is also prohibited by the laws of Washington. Puget Sound Skills Center has a policy prohibiting bullying in this school not only because it is illegal, but because it creates unproductive, unpleasant, and sometimes a hostile working environment. That is not what we want for our school or students. What exactly is bullying, why is it harmful, and what can you do about it? Step 1: Complete the assessment on page 7 and either print the document or send the file to your instructor. Step 2: After reading the articles (pages 1-5), answer the following questions in the spaces provided on page 8. Write any questions you have and have them available to discuss in class. Describe bullying in your own words. Describe why we are discussing bullying in your own words. Describe who may be affected by bullying in the workplace in your own words. Step 3: After reading the articles (pages 1-5), answer each of the following questions in paragraph format in the spaces provided on page 8. Describe a bullying or harassing situation you have seen Describe a situation you may have been able to change What strategies you will personally use to stop harassment and bullying. Completion: Submit your printed or electronic responses to the questions in Steps 1, 2, & 3 to your instructor before class ends on Monday, Once you have completed all of the steps successfully and you have earned at least 80% on the assessment, you will qualify for the Bullying Prevention Awareness Training Certificate, which your instructor will print for your portfolio. Page 6 of 8

7 NAME Bullying Prevention Awareness Assessment 1. Victims of cyber-bullying are at an increased risk for traditional bullying victimization, substance use, and school problems. 2. A school is protected from legal liability and not required to intervene in cyber-bullying incidents that occur away from campus. 3. Most victims of cyber-bullying tell an adult (parent or teacher) about their experience. 4. Research has shown that victims of cyber-bullying suffer from anger, frustration, and sadness. 5. Cyber-bullying does not result in physical harm to victims because it occurs (and is contained) completely online. 6. Cyber-bullying is just a problem in the United States. 7. Victims report that they are primarily cyber-bullied by strangers. 8. Traditional schoolyard bullies are also likely to be cyber-bullies. 9. Boys are more likely to be victims of cyber-bullying than girls. 10. Research has shown that utilizing blocking and filtering software decreases the likelihood of experiencing cyber-bullying. Page 7 of 8

8 NAME 2a Write any questions you have about bullying and have them available to discuss in class. 2b Describe bullying in your own words. 2c Describe why we are discussing bullying in your own words. 2d Describe who may be affected by bullying in the workplace in your own words. 3a Describe in paragraph form a bullying or harassing situation you have seen. 3b Describe in paragraph form a situation you may have been able to change 3c Describe in paragraph form strategies you will personally use to stop harassment and bullying. Page 8 of 8