The Catskill Chronicle

MONTICELLO, NY (February 5, 2011) – Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther (D, C – Forestburgh) visited the Monticello Central High School on February 2 to congratulate and thank the students and faculty involved with the new LGBT Supporters Club, and this week’s “No Name Calling Week” program at the school.

“When I heard about the students’ new club and the No Name Calling Week program I wanted to meet with the students and teachers to commend them for their efforts,” said Gunther. “By working with other students to end bullying in their school, these Monticello teens have shown real leadership on a very important and timely issue.”

Monticello High School recently launched a new club, the LGBTS club, or Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
Transgender Supporters club. The club will address bullying amongst all students.

Club members decided to participate in "No Name Calling Week," as part of the overall anti-bullying campaign at the high school. "No Name Calling Week" started January 31 and ended on February 4.

This is an event of educational and creative activities aimed at ending name calling and bullying in the school. The members of LGBTS hoped to encourage students to take pride in themselves and to also respect others, regardless of differences.

“Last year the Governor signed legislation I supported in the Assembly called the Dignity for all
Students Act,” said Gunther. “This new law ensures all students an environment free of any harassment regardless of the basis of the harassment, and free of discrimination based on actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex.

“But this new law does not take effect until July 1, 2012. In the meantime, these Monticello students are doing their part to ensure a safe and secure environment for all students in their school.”
Part of the week of activities includes asking other students and teachers to sign a Pledge which states:

“I believe that bullying and calling other students hurtful names is wrong. I pledge to do my best to:

 Not bully other students or call them hurtful names;
 Intervene if I safely can, in situations where students are being called names;
 Support efforts to end bullying and name calling.”

The pledge also offers advice on how to stay safe from bullying.