Pallone Calls For Others to Join Long Branch Students in Raising Awareness About Bullying

March 23, 2011

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. Thursday met with Long Branch Middle School students who have gained national attention for an anti-bullying campaign they started. In response to several bullying cases in the news, the students decided to raise awareness about the issue by creating a music video “Bullying We’ll Stop It” to the tune of "I Like It" by Enrique Iglesias.

“Bullies were around when I was a student and they continue to be a problem today,” said Pallone. “Sites such as Facebook have helped bullies find new ways to torment victims and this is a problem we can’t ignore. This student-led initiative is spreading the message that bullying will not be tolerated and this effort is to be commended. I hope that other students follow their example.”

Pallone joined members of the New Jersey congressional delegation and leading educators in the state after the death of Rutgers student Tyler Clementi who was a victim of cyber bullying to raise awareness on the issue.

Since then, legislation has been introduced at both the federal and state levels that encourages schools to establish bullying awareness programs and to increase accountability where bullying exists.

“When students feel threatened by bullies they have a more difficult time learning at school and socializing with other students and this is unacceptable,” added Pallone.