Fiscal Note
No fiscal impact.
Title
Supporting the implementation of the City of Madison anti-bullying policy.
Body
WHEREAS, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 20% of youth experience bullying by their peers and the National Education Association estimates that 160,000 children miss school every day due to fear of attack or intimidation by other students; and,
WHEREAS, youth who experience bullying are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, have increased feelings of sadness and loneliness, and lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed; and,
WHEREAS, marginalized youth experience bullying at a much higher rate than other youth do; and,
WHEREAS, according to Mental Health America, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) youth or those youth who are perceived to be LGBT are more than twice as likely to be called names, verbally harassed, or physically assaulted compared to non-LGBT peers; and,
WHEREAS, a study by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network finds that 9 out of 10 LGBT youth reported being verbally harassed due to their sexual orientation, and the same study finds that 75% of transgender students feel unsafe in school; and,
WHEREAS, research from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institute of Health, respectively, indicates that children with disabilities and special needs and immigrant children are more likely to experience bullying by their peers; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Madison is committed to uplifting its youngest residents with meaningful and impactful programming and robust recreational and educational opportunities through which children can express their creativity, develop skills, engage in sports, and explore career opportunities; and,
WHEREAS, the City strives to offer spaces and programming for youth to feel safe and welcomed regardless of who they are, how they identify, or where they come from; and,
WHEREAS, Madison General Ordi...
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