District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) is taking a stand against bullying in our area.
Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson announced Thursday the creation of an Anti-Bullying Advisory Committee.
Made up of 40 D.C. principals, staff, superintendents and community experts, the committee will "identify the school system’s strengths and limitations in preventing and managing bullying." The committee will also "review the best practices and research" and "develop a comprehensive framework and plan for these anti-bullying initiatives."
Of the students attending D.C. public schools, 9.7 percent in grades 6-12 reported being bullied on school property within the past 12 months, according to the 2010 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Cyberbullying in the past 12 months was reported by 10.6 percent of students.
“Not only is bullying an intolerable threat to student safety, it also has collateral consequences,” said Chancellor Henderson. “If students don’t feel safe at school, it creates a barrier to their pursuit of a quality education.”
The committee plans to meet Wednesday for the first time and on a monthly basis after that.
Other similar DCPS committees have had success in identifying solutions to problems that threaten student safety and security in school environments. The school system’s LGBTQ Steering Committee developed DCPS’ “Plan to Create an Inclusive School Community" in an effort to make schools safe and inclusive for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning students, staff and families.