In a conference call Feb. 11, mayoral candidate Gery Chico and his wife, Sunny, unveiled their anti-bullying plan.
With recent bullying headlines and student suicides linked to bullying, the LGBT community knows all too well the harmful effects of bullying in schools. In reference to the high rate of teen suicides because of bullying, Chico believes that more has to be done to protect students from bullying and to prevent tragedies.
"I dealt closely with the bullying issue as president of Chicago Public Schools, and I understand the hurtful effect it can have on our young people. This type of practice is unacceptable in our schools and when I'm mayor, we will do something about it," said Chico.
Chico's anti-bullying proposal stresses enforcement of a clear, anti-bullying policy for all Chicago Public Schools (CPS). In particular, if elected mayor, Chico plans to select and work closely with the chief education officer, who will have a commitment to making Chicago's public schools safer for all students. In addition to working with the chief education officer, Chico plans to work with school personnel, parents, and students on establishing and implementing the anti-bullying plan.
Technology will play an active role in carrying out Chico's anti-bullying plan. To encourage acceptance and diversity, Chico will advance technology throughout Chicago Public Schools to provide students with greater exposure to diversity. A cyberbullying collaborative group would meet through high-definition satellite conferences to discuss the best ways to combat cyberbullying. Students from all over the country, including Alaska, California, and Texas will participate in the nation-wide cyber conference. Chico plan to involve more area public schools into the program.
Sunny Chico discussed her experience as a teacher, working with young people and student who were victims of bullying. She advocates for a comprehensive approach and speedy enforcement that would stop bullying, protect students, and create a better school environment and culture.
"As parents who are deeply committed to the future of education in Chicago, this is important" Sunny Chico said. "Gery is committed to ensuring that all of our children can learn in an environment that empowers them to reach their potential."
An article in the Washington Post suggested that the dropout rate among LGBT students is three times higher than heterosexual students. Studies also suggest that the suicide rates among LGBT students are significantly higher than their heterosexual counterparts. Chico's camp are confident in his anti-bullying plan and that if elected, the plan will have positive effects on those hurt by bullying and all CPS students.
"Gery Chico has always been someone with political courage. With his anit-bullying plan, Chico wants to create an inclusive school environment where children are encouraged to reach their full potential. No child should ever be bullied," says Chico's chief spokesperson Brooke Anderson.
Also joining the Chicos on the call was Todd Connor, a campaign co-chair of the Chico campaign and a leader in the LGBT community. "Gery has a proven track record of building coalitions to deliver results and with policies like this, I know he will be a strong voice for us as mayor," Connor said.