How students can help stop bullying on campus
Natasha Sakovich | Editor-in-Chief
Since the last “Legacy” edition, we received a letter to the editor by student Rachelle Sappington that she is starting a petition to Missouri legislators, calling on schools to include anti-bullying statements in to their policies. To Rachelle, we at “The Legacy” say, Way to go! This is the kind of activism that needs to be taken to combat bullying of anyone at any age, and by taking these issues to the appropriate authorities, change can be achieved. Rachelle is right in stating that bullying can occur at any age and at any place, and as advocates for the students, “The Legacy” will continue to pursue justice and protection for those who have undergone this mistreatment.
In addition, since the April 11 edition, investigation by “The Legacy” has confirmed the date mentioned in the March 21 article entitled “Accusations arise: ACB crosses the line”. The dorm incident described in this article did not occur in fall 2011. The incident took place in the fall of 2008, and “The Legacy” apologizes for this error. We realize this may have caused confusion among current students who have never heard of these incidents or anything similar occurring like this lately.
However, though the date originally listed was in error, this incident did take place and “The Legacy” continues to stand by our story.
Just because current students may not have heard of the incidents like the ones mentioned in the story or experienced any such events themselves, does not mean they did not take place. The experiences shared by dozens of students of bullying and harassment are real, whether they took place yesterday or a few years ago. The passing of time does not make any bullying event “less real” or impactful, and as such, “The Legacy” felt it necessary to report these instances of harassment upon our discovery of the information.
In line with our advocacy for the student body, one of our “Legacy” reporters went to the Lindenwood counseling staff to see what students can do if they are being bullied. Talking with appropriate officials and reporting any incidents to administration is just one of the recommended courses of action. If you’ve been bullied, harassed or felt threatened in any way, the counseling staff here at Lindenwood is more than willing to listen and console students who have suffered these incidents. Another way students can help out is by signing anti-bullying petitions like the one Rachelle has created. Take a look at her link and sign up to support protection of students against bullying of any kind.
Similarly, our stories in this issue regarding bullying and harassment by organizations such as New Religion Movement groups, as described by campus Chaplain the Rev. Dr. Michael Mason, coincide with “The Legacy’s” determination to make sure bullying is not tolerated. Whether it is by an individual or by a group exhibiting the facets described by Mason, bullying and harassment are not OK. These are serious issues which need to be looked into for the safety of the students.
Mason hits the nail on the head when he discusses how, “College students are in a real, delicate transition period. They are trying to grow up and trying to figure out who they are.” During such a delicate and trying time in life is when students should be protected the most from bullying and harassment that can change their lives forever. As Mason puts it, college is a scary time full of change and new experiences. With that said, let’s all work together to make this time a little less scary and a lot more manageable by putting an end to bullying.
Related Posts
The Legacy stands by stories →
A Cross Between serves Lindenwood and community →
Regardless of age, bullying is still a problem →
President James Evans’ Open Letter Regarding A Cross Between Reports →
One Response to How students can help stop bullying on campus
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Is Lindenwood this boring that you have to write about the same stuff over and over? We get it Legacy you clearly don’t like ACB. Get over it and move on. I’d like to read about something other than them, or at least get a new picture! Oh and you think that stuff is bullying..time to get a little bit tougher skin or you will never make it in the real world! P.S. has anyone seen the size of Ian Dinklemann or Jerami Moody compared to 5’8″ Kerry Cox…real scary boys!