The Unit 5 School District Board Wednesday passed a historic, student-presented "Not In Our School" resolution that formally sets down standards for addressing bullying and fostering inclusivity:
McLean County School District Not In Our School Resolution
WHEREAS, bullying and intolerance has become a daily occurrence on many school campuses and in towns and cities across the nation;
WHEREAS, bullying can take many forms, including verbal, physical, and most recently in cyberspace, and can happen in many places on and off school grounds;
WHEREAS, history has tragically taught us what happens when people stand by and allow acts of bullying, intolerance, and hatred to occur;
WHEREAS, it is important for parents, students, teachers, and school administrators to be aware of bullying, and to encourage discussion of the problem as a school community;
WHEREAS, by teaching students to embrace differences, have empathy, and become upstanders who stand up for themselves and others, we create a safer school climate and prepare them to be upstanding citizens;
WHEREAS, students, educators, and community members across the country who have started Not In Our School campaigns have been successful in opposing all forms of bullying and harassment;
WHEREAS, schools and communities nationwide have used Not In Our School resources to create safe and inclusive environments where students feel accepted and belonging and can focus on their studies;
WHEREAS, we, the Board of Education of McLean County Unit District No. 5, oppose any manifestation of bullying, harassment, prejudice and all forms of intolerance towards any group or individual;
WE the Board of Education of McLean County Unit District No. 5, together with students and faculty across our District and the country, resolve to stand up against bullying and intolerance and actively work to make our campus free from discrimination and hatred. We also resolve to promote safety, inclusion, and acceptance, joining thousands of others to say with one voice, "Not In Our School.”