Started as a tribute to DEA Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena who was tortured and murdered by Mexican drug traffickers, Red Ribbon Week (October 23-31) is a moment for schools and communities to not only honor those who fight the war against illegal drugs in our country, but also to gain and share knowledge about many of the drugs that pervade our society today—from alcohol and marijuana to club drugs, inhalants, cocaine, heroin and more.The decision to live a drug-free lifestyle is the most important one that your students can make.
It is essential that all teens work to end bullying and the culture of judgment and insecurity that pervades many middle and high schools. Young people must first understand the importance of standing up for bullied classmates and treating each other with respect. If bullying is not tolerated by bystanders, a bully’s power is quickly destroyed. Students should be encouraged to reach out to isolated classmates and forge vital connections between all students. Teens also need effective coping and problem-solving skills. If a young person who is tempted to bring a gun to school knows to carefully consider the consequences of his actions, potential violence can be prevented. Finally, teens must understand the importance of reporting any threats of violence they hear. Research indicates that most school shooters told someone of their plans beforehand, but were not taken seriously.
The majority of LGBT youth experience some sort of harassment or violence in school. In addition to having a distressing toll a LGBT teen's emotionally these bias can cause academic problems as well: lower grade point averages, trouble paying attention in class and difficulty getting along with other students. Anti-LGBT bigotry challenges straight students as well. Confined to rigid gender role expectations and sterotypes students are inhibited from exploring their creative, athletic and other sides.
Ally Week encourages students to be Allies against the anti-LGBT language, bullying and harassment that takes place in schools across the country.
