APS Holds Community Meetings To Tackle Bullying In Public Schools, Efforts Heather Wilson Mocked In April

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, September 19, 2012

CONTACT: Matt Ross (505) 263-4879

Albuquerque, NM  - Anti-bullying efforts by Albuquerque Public Schools are making headlines this week as they host meetings to talk with parents about what KRQE News 13 describes as “without a doubt one of the biggest problems in schools today.”

But just a few months ago, Heather Wilson made her own headlines by attacking anti-bullying efforts. During a debate in April, Congresswoman Wilson downplayed discrimination and harassment in schools and joked sarcastically that Sen. Al Franken's landmark legislation, the Student Non-Discrimination Act, would "criminalize teasing" and punish children for "expressing an opinion." 

“New Mexico has never been a community that panders to bullies, and we won't start now. Our schools are meant to be safe spaces, places our kids can go to learn, grow, and discover who they are and who they want to be," said Javier Gonzales, DPNM Chairman “Heather Wilson’s attack on anti-bullying efforts shows just how out of touch she is with New Mexicans and how misplaced her priorities are. New Mexico students deserve better.”

According to Heather Wilson, bullies whose behavior makes our schools places of fear instead of places of learning are simply teasing. But every day, students are subjected to discrimination, including harassment, bullying, and violence, which contributes to absenteeism, academic underachievement, and even suicide.  

# # #