Why 'kids being kids' is no excuse for bullying

Just like many of you I have been following the Rutgers University case, and the conviction last week of Dharun Ravi in the death of Tyler Clementi has created a lot of dialogue online.  I read today that Matt Comer of Campus Pride said there is little time to savor the verdict when so much work remains to be done.

Bullying happens for a lot of different reasons, and we know that millions of kids under the age of 18 are bullied every year online, particularly on social networks like Facebook.  Bullying is a problem in every classroom in America and most colleges still fail to create specific policies to protect students from hurtful and discriminatory behavior.

I think this is the most important takeaway from the Rutgers verdict:

"We do believe this verdict sends the important message that a 'kids will be kids' defense is no excuse to bully another student.  As for all of us, we must continue our focus on building a better world, one free from bullying of every student, so that a tragedy like this never happens again."   - Steven Goldstein of Garden State Equality

Don't forget, you still have time to be one of my sponsors for Miracle Bowl for Kids or to contribute to my Children's Miracle Network fundraising goal.  Help me raise money that benefits kids right here in Indiana at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, the only CMN hospital in Indiana.