Speaker Christine Quinn and other local politicians march through the West Village in response to the murder of Mark Carson who was killed in an apparent anti-gay bias attack. Credit: Aaron Adler
Amid a series of violent anti-gay hate crimes that have unsettled a city known for its progressive values, New York City Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott has announced an initiative that will ask all public schools to hold at least one anti-bullying program by the end of the school year.
“No student should fear going to school because of bullying or harassment,” Walcott said at a City Hall press conference on Monday, according to DNAinfo. “Given the recent events, I am asking that all schools incorporate anti-bullying lessons into end of year assemblies, programs and curricula to highlight the importance of treating people with respect and dignity.”
The initiative, aimed at keeping kids safe by fostering tolerance, was the brainchild of City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Gotham Schools reports. Quinn would become the city’s first openly gay mayor if elected this fall.
