FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Joint Statement of
Chairman Martin R. Castro and Commissioners Roberta Achtenberg, Dina Titus, and Michael Yaki,
Individual Members of the United States Commission on Civil Rights,
Regarding
“Peer-to-Peer Violence and Bullying:
Examining the Federal Response”
May 16, 2011
CONTACT: Chairman Martin R. Castro: (312) 523-2073
Joint Statement of
Chairman Martin R. Castro and Commissioners Roberta Achtenberg, Dina Titus, and Michael Yaki,
Individual Members of the United States Commission on Civil Rights,
Regarding
“Peer-to-Peer Violence and Bullying:
Examining the Federal Response”
May 16, 2011
CONTACT: Chairman Martin R. Castro: (312) 523-2073
Commissioner Roberta Achtenberg: (415) 648-6693
Commissioner Michael Yaki: (202) 683-6063
The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights’ briefing in Washington, D.C. on May 13, 2011 featured compelling and wide-ranging testimony about our nation’s pervasive, complicated problem of peer-to-peer student violence. The proceeding may be viewed at http://www.c-spanarchives.org/program/AntiBull.
Russlynn Ali, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, testified that complaints alleging harassment due to race, national origin, disability, or sex increased 31% in the one year from 2009 to 2010. Jocelyn Samuels, Senior Counselor to the Assistant Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, testified that, in addition to pursuing traditional enforcement actions, Justice staff visits schools nationwide to help students understand the need for “a school environment in which all students feel safe, regardless of their race, color, national origin, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender non-conformity.”
The largest portion of the rising number of federal complaints involves racial discrimination, particularly toward African-Americans. The National Crime Victimization Survey reports that one in four Latino/a students report being targeted. Students of many religions are also harassed. Over 80% of students experience sex discrimination, and students with disabilities are ten times more likely than non-disabled peers to be targeted. Sexual minority youth report almost near-universal experience with verbal harassment and a rate of physical harassment of 40%.
The impact of peer-to-peer violence continues long after the harassment stops. Studies and position papers presented to the Commission from numerous institutions, including the American Psychological Association and top-rated universities, conclude that targeted students fall victim to immediate and long-term complex mental health issues, substance abuse, academic failure, and, most tragically, suicide.
Ms. Tammy Aaberg of Minnesota testified powerfully about the July 2010 harassment-fueled suicide of her son Justin. Recalling her own lost son and other young suicide victims, Ms. Aaberg testified, “The current level of federal involvement in our schools is not sufficient enough. Let’s get federal protections in schools to include all kids across the country so no more students or families need to be put in our position.”
“We all have children in our lives whom we love and care about, be they our own children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, godchildren, neighbors, or students,” stated Chairman Martin R. Castro. “We want them all to lead safe, happy, and long lives and to achieve their full potential. That is why it’s important for the USCCR to address the significance of affirming and extending Constitutional protections to all children, regardless of their backgrounds.”
“The first-rate testimony and evidence which the Commission has received is compelling. It underscores the need for compassionate governmental responses which effectively balance competing Constitutional interests,” said Commissioner Roberta Achtenberg.
“Data presented to us by social scientists, government representatives, and advocacy groups clearly indicate that peer-to-peer student violence, harassment, and bullying are escalating problems in our schools which must be addressed posthaste by the federal government in order to protect the civil rights of all our children,” according to Commissioner Dina Titus.
Commissioner Michael Yaki stated that “The testimony from this briefing leads me to conclude that the Fourteenth Amendment Equal Protection Clause must be enforced with explicit protections for LGBT youth. Nothing else will ensure that these vulnerable children can receive the education that they deserve and protection that they require.”
The public may add comments until May 27, 2011. Comments should be directed to: Kimberly Tolhurst, Esq., Acting General Counsel, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, 624 Ninth St., Sixth Floor, Washington, D.C. 20425. Electronic comments may be sent to ktolhurst@usccr.gov. This investigation will culminate in the Commission’s 2011 Statutory Report, which will include findings and recommendations regarding the seriousness of the problems and the federal response. This report will go to Congress and the President by September 30, 2011.
The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights’ briefing in Washington, D.C. on May 13, 2011 featured compelling and wide-ranging testimony about our nation’s pervasive, complicated problem of peer-to-peer student violence. The proceeding may be viewed at http://www.c-spanarchives.org/program/AntiBull.
Russlynn Ali, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, testified that complaints alleging harassment due to race, national origin, disability, or sex increased 31% in the one year from 2009 to 2010. Jocelyn Samuels, Senior Counselor to the Assistant Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, testified that, in addition to pursuing traditional enforcement actions, Justice staff visits schools nationwide to help students understand the need for “a school environment in which all students feel safe, regardless of their race, color, national origin, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender non-conformity.”
The largest portion of the rising number of federal complaints involves racial discrimination, particularly toward African-Americans. The National Crime Victimization Survey reports that one in four Latino/a students report being targeted. Students of many religions are also harassed. Over 80% of students experience sex discrimination, and students with disabilities are ten times more likely than non-disabled peers to be targeted. Sexual minority youth report almost near-universal experience with verbal harassment and a rate of physical harassment of 40%.
The impact of peer-to-peer violence continues long after the harassment stops. Studies and position papers presented to the Commission from numerous institutions, including the American Psychological Association and top-rated universities, conclude that targeted students fall victim to immediate and long-term complex mental health issues, substance abuse, academic failure, and, most tragically, suicide.
Ms. Tammy Aaberg of Minnesota testified powerfully about the July 2010 harassment-fueled suicide of her son Justin. Recalling her own lost son and other young suicide victims, Ms. Aaberg testified, “The current level of federal involvement in our schools is not sufficient enough. Let’s get federal protections in schools to include all kids across the country so no more students or families need to be put in our position.”
“We all have children in our lives whom we love and care about, be they our own children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, godchildren, neighbors, or students,” stated Chairman Martin R. Castro. “We want them all to lead safe, happy, and long lives and to achieve their full potential. That is why it’s important for the USCCR to address the significance of affirming and extending Constitutional protections to all children, regardless of their backgrounds.”
“The first-rate testimony and evidence which the Commission has received is compelling. It underscores the need for compassionate governmental responses which effectively balance competing Constitutional interests,” said Commissioner Roberta Achtenberg.
“Data presented to us by social scientists, government representatives, and advocacy groups clearly indicate that peer-to-peer student violence, harassment, and bullying are escalating problems in our schools which must be addressed posthaste by the federal government in order to protect the civil rights of all our children,” according to Commissioner Dina Titus.
Commissioner Michael Yaki stated that “The testimony from this briefing leads me to conclude that the Fourteenth Amendment Equal Protection Clause must be enforced with explicit protections for LGBT youth. Nothing else will ensure that these vulnerable children can receive the education that they deserve and protection that they require.”
The public may add comments until May 27, 2011. Comments should be directed to: Kimberly Tolhurst, Esq., Acting General Counsel, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, 624 Ninth St., Sixth Floor, Washington, D.C. 20425. Electronic comments may be sent to ktolhurst@usccr.gov. This investigation will culminate in the Commission’s 2011 Statutory Report, which will include findings and recommendations regarding the seriousness of the problems and the federal response. This report will go to Congress and the President by September 30, 2011.
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