WHERAS, We must safeguard schools and communities for our children, and, through our recognition of the serious issues that face them each day, offer our children 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 he 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; and

WHEREAS, It is time to “STAND Up for Character – DOWN to Bullying!”; now, therefore be it

PROCLAIMED, that I Mayor Grenier do hereby designate the month of October 2013 as Anti-Bullying Awareness Month in the Village of Menands as a symbol of our commitment to the year-round struggle against bullying.

A motion was made by Trustee Mackay, seconded by Trustee Harris to approve the Mayor to proclaim October 2013 as Anti-Bullying month in the Village of Menands.

ADOPTED:

Trustee Harris voting AYE
Trustee Lansing voting AYE
Trustee Mackay voting AYE
Mayor Grenier voting AYE