Bullying, harassment targeted in series of events

On April 15, individuals from across Wisconsin will join together to make a statewide commitment to put an end to LGBT bullying, harassment, homophobia and transphobia.

Students from across UW System will gather at the Wisconsin State Capitol, the National Day of Silence, as students, faculty, staff, family, friends and community members to collectively Break the Silence.

“It is time we take action and send a clear message that bullying and violence will not be tolerated in our schools,” says Robin Matthies, interim director of the LGBT Campus Center, which is organizing the event.

The Campus Center will also host a series of events addressing bullying, campus safety and LGBT harassment during the week of April 11-15.

Safety Panel, Monday, April 11, 7-10 p.m.
Education Building 159, Wisconsin Idea Room

This event is a forum for students, faculty, staff and community members to talk about their experiences on campus with campus climate and safety. Panel members including representatives from UW–Madison Division of Student Life, University Health Services, UW–Madison Police Department, city of Madison Police Department and the Division of Housing will address university and city efforts that highlight safety issues. Attendees will have the opportunity to voice their safety concerns, hear the concerns of others, learn about campus safety initiatives and discuss current campus climate issues.

Break the Silence Around Violence
7-9 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, A1 Gordon Commons

Come talk about Intimate Partner Violence in the LGBTQ community at a workshop with Molly Herrmann, an expert on intimate partner violence for Out and About Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Attendees can also learn more about what’s going on in Madison to prevent partner violence.

Jamie Nebozny and Screening of “Bullied: A Student, a School and a Case that Made History”
6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 14, Education Building 159, Wisconsin Idea Room

Nabozny was the first student to successfully sue a school district for its failure to protect a student from anti-gay harassment. His 1995 lawsuit helped pioneer the Safe Schools Movement for LGBT students. He will be speaking about his experiences and how he has worked to promote school safety for LGBT students. For more information, click here or contact stopthesilencelgbtq@gmail.com with questions or for information.