West Virginia high school senior Clayton Stover won’t stand for students throwing around the word “faggot” and “dyke.” Because words like those don’t just hurt, they KILL. We talk endlessly about schools not doing enough to keep gay or gay-branded students from being harassed. Now here’s a 12th grader — whose own schooling will come to an end in just weeks — leading the charge, evidence in hand, of what will happen if his own St. Albans High School doesn’t do enough to stop bullying in the hallways and classrooms. So he’s pushing an effort to amend the school’s diversity policy to include sexual orientation. THIS IS GOOD NEWS. But writing something down on paper is a short cry from training teachers and administrators how to fight intolerance, limit harassment, and begin an open-door policy for GLBT students. That comes next. But Stover putting a face on how damaging this harassment is to queer kids is a brave first step.
Elsewhere, Momlogic.com lists some sensible tips on where to start the anti-bullying crusade. Basic stuff, though yet to be implemented on a broad scale.
glen
“writing something down on paper is a short cry from training teachers and administrators how to fight intolerance” but it is a good start. Good work Clayton!
Jason in WV
I have to agree. People only realize a problem if it is brought to light, and if they are made to realize the consequences of not doing something.
The community needs more guys like Clayton!
Puddy Katz
This is fucking southern West Virginia folks. Give the kid some credit.
Barrie
Clayton – Thank you!!!