Well, hello there all. It’s Ashley, again. There has been a TON of stuff going on in the media and in our country about bullying, anti-gay bullying, intolerance, suicide, and just overall hate. I keep feeling the need to spread the word, spread awareness, and give more information overall about this hate epidemic that seems to be consuming the news, our thoughts, and even our campus.
In the past two months, all of these students have taken their own life because of bullying and anti-gay intolerance
Asher Brown, age 13.
“Brown, his family said, was “bullied to death” — picked on for his small size, his religion and because he did not wear designer clothes and shoes. Kids also accused him of being gay, some of them performing mock gay acts on him in his physical education class, his mother and stepfather said.” – The Houston Chronicle
Seth Walsh, age 13.
“He was a very loving boy, very kind. He had a beautiful smile. He liked fashion, his friends, talking on the phone. He was artistic and very bright.” Judy Walsh hopes her son’s death is a wake up call to the community to “develop more tolerance for different people.”– NEW YORK (CBS)
Billy Lucas, age 15.
“This is the first time that Greensburg High School administrators can remember a student taking their own life. But it’s not going unnoticed – school administrators met Monday to discuss forming a committee that would include students and parents to help battle the bullying issues.” – WorldNow and WTHR
Tyler Clementi, age 18.
“Mr. Clementi’s family issued a statement on Wednesday confirming the suicide and pledging cooperation with the criminal investigation. “Tyler was a fine young man, and a distinguished musician,” the statement read. “The family is heartbroken beyond words.” – The New York Times
Raymond Chase, age 18.
“Today I contact you with the deeply sad news of the passing of Raymond Chase, sophomore, 19, culinary arts major. The campus community is mourning the loss of this vibrant young man who leaves many JWU friends and teachers, and a loving family of Monticello, New York.” -TheNewsofToday.com
Another very famous case of hate was the murder of Matthew Shepard, age 21. The two men robbed, pistol-whipped, tortured him, and tied him to a fence in a remote, rural area, leaving him to die.
The epidemic of hate crimes and intolerance has been extremely evident in the media. Many different celebrities and organizations have taken huge steps to prevent terrible tragedies such as these from happening again.
A ton of celebrities have made you tube videos for The Trevor Projects sharing the simple, yet extremely powerful, message of “It Gets Better.”
The Love Is Louder movement is also another project started by actress Brittany Snow and MTV. “Love Is Louder is a movement that is hopefully going to bring some awareness and make some noise when it comes to teens who are feeling suicidal or even just sad, outcasts, and being bullied, and really feel like they have nowhere to turn to,” Snow explained. “It’s a place where people who have been through it can support them and share their stories, [so they will know] that they’re not alone, and that there’s a place for people to put their experiences and hope.”-MTV, visit their website at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-is-Louder/160446023982554?ref=ts.
There are a ton of different ways that people are trying to combat all of the hate against different groups of people.
There are a bunch of different events and things on campus that YOU can get involved with and/or support.
You can also support the OBP, Pride Alliance, and UML Gender Studies by attending
Well, that’s a lot to digest and think of. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please leave feedback.
Sending love,
Ashley
