hHow do you feel when you sit in class? Do you feel alone, safe, protected, or scared?

Classrooms are not safe from bullying as far as I am aware of. Bullying can occur at anytime and anywhere, which usually is disregarded since that is pretty much how bullying works. Most of the time, staff and students cannot tell apart of who is the oppressor and the victim.

I have seen multiple situations when an innocent, quiet student was picked on for no apparent reason and they are left without being able to stand up for his or her self. Also, the people who witness the situation do not warn a teacher or staff member of what is occurring within the classroom environment or campus. I am not saying that you should go and tattle tells and I am not saying that you should remain a bystander either, but an anonymous tip can be made. No one will know who it was. Think of it as a kind gesture for the New Year. If the situation is taken care of, then you might have just saved someone from depression or suicide if they have considered that as a resolution to end their pain.

I have realized that a majority of those that I know of have been bullied for their sexuality, simply because they are not attracted to someone that is the opposite sex since it is the gender norm that most of us are used to, with a father and a mother figure in our lives. Growing up, my parents did not shame the LGBTQ community, but they would raise an eyebrow whenever they saw a homosexual couple displaying affection to one another.

At Hoover High, we have an annual Day of Silence to spread awareness about the effects of bullying of the LGBTQ community and as a reminder that we share a campus with them as well. They deserve to be treated the same way as everyone else and no less. You may never know what goes on within a person’s mind or life, which is why it is best to never bully someone. Jokes are fine, but there is a limit. I am sure that we have all heard this saying once before, “Be sure to taste your words before you spit them out.” Please be conscious of what you say before you say it.