Port Chester Officials Declare October Anti-Bullying Awareness Month

Bullying became an important topic of discussion locally after The Westmore News published an article about a student who allegedly slit her wrists after being repeatedly bullied in school last spring. 

According to Westmore’s Claire Racine, the parents and girl felt unsupported by the school district.

Following the publication of the article, a group of residents, including a current Port Chester Board of Education member, reportedly started a committee to help fight bullying in schools. 

Now, village officials lend their support to the anti-bullying efforts with their declaration of October as a time to fight bullying. Read the full resolution, approved unanimously, below. 

WHEREAS, it is fundamental that children are raised in an environment that holds

promise and security;

and WHEREAS, many organizations, school districts, educators and parents have publicly expressed concern about the bullying of children;

and WHEREAS, each day an estimated 160,000 children refuse to go to school because they dread the physical and verbal aggression of their peers, and the loneliness that comes from being excluded and made the target of rumors and cyber-bullying; many more students attend school in a chronic state of anxiety; and

WHEREAS, it is important that we acknowledge and heighten awareness about the

serious issues and the negative effects of bullying, including the long-term damage it can cause in our youth as well as the risks of teenage suicide; and

WHEREAS, providing a safe physical and emotional environment is a significant goal and a personal responsibility of each individual. Now, Therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees does hereby designate the month of October

2013 as Anti-Bullying Awareness Month in the Village of Port Chester as a symbol of our commitment to the year-round struggle against bullying, and be it further

RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Port Chester-Rye Union Free School District.