In the wake of six recent suicides by young people who were bullied and humiliated for being gay, First Congregational Church of Alameda and Alameda Community Resource for Education have come together to screen two films aimed at educating the public about ways to combat this crisis.
"Bullied: A Student, a School and a Case that Made History," chronicles the story of high school student Jamie Nabozny, who suffered relentless verbal and physical abuse at the hands of his classmates in Ashland, Wisconsin. Despite pleas from Jamie and his parents, school officials failed to stop the attacks. Jamie and his parents filed a lawsuit against his school district that led to a landmark federal court decision holding school officials accountable for stopping the harassment and abuse of gay students. "Students should never be afraid for their safety at school," says Jamie, now 34. "This film offers hope to students who are being harassed and should inspire educators to live up to their responsibility to stop the bullying that is shattering lives."
A community discussion will follow each film. "This film series is not just informational, it is a matter of life and death," says Laura Rose, pastor of First Congregational Church of Alameda and a member of the Alameda C.A.R.E. steering committee. "It is imperative that parents, teachers and community members know what tools are available to help allies and advocates for victims of bullying."
Childcare will be available on a limited basis. Please call 522-6012 x 21 by Oct. 16 to reserve a spot.
