The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), America's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organisation, today was part of a White House press announcement highlighting anti-bullying campaigns by Facebook, MTV and the American Federation of Teachers.
Share this
White House takes a stand against bullying
At today’s Conference on Bullying Prevention, approximately 150 students, parents, teachers, non-profit leaders, advocates and policymakers convened at the White House to discuss how they can work together to combat bullying in America’s schools. The President also specifically cited anti-LGBT bullying as an ongoing problem among young people today.
“Today’s conference marks a turning point for young people everywhere, and in particular, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth who face disproportionate rates of harassment while at school,” said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. “By taking this momentous stand against bullying, President Obama has sent a clear message to LGBT youth across the country that it’s okay to be who you are.”
The conference comes just months after GLAAD bridged an unprecedented partnership with Facebook and helped reshape the way the site responds to hateful and violent anti-LGBT posts. Facebook later joined GLAAD and other national organizations, including GLSEN, HRC, PFLAG and the Trevor Project, to create the “Network of Support,” an educational initiative that works to prevent anti-LGBT cyberbullying.
In a statement released today, the White House highlighted GLAAD’s commitment to countering anti-LGBT bullying and acknowledged GLAAD’s continuing work with Facebook, MTV and the American Federation of Teachers.
As part of MTV’s multi-year, award-winning A THIN LINE campaign, the network will launch a new anti-digital discrimination coalition, which will work with MTV to fight bullying and intolerance online (in partnership with the National Council of La Raza, Anti-Defamation League, Council on American-Islamic Relations, and GLAAD).
Additionally, The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) will be launching a national bullying campaign, “See a Bully, Stop a Bully, Make a Difference,” focused on raising bullying awareness and providing resources, training, and technical assistance for leaders and members. AFT will work closely with GLSEN and GLAAD to help amplify an anti-bullying message.