Speaking OUT Against Bullying

Many of you have heard the news of the tragic suicide of Rutgers college freshman Tyler Clementi, who jumped to his death after fellow students allegedly streamed online a romantic encounter between him and another man. Last month four other American teens took their own lives last month due to being made fun of for being gay.

We, at Shake Library, have put together a few links to resources for students in trouble and for the people who care about them. If you or a friend is a victim of digital disrespect, unwanted sexting, blackmail, hate-mongering (spreading discriminatory, racist messages) or direct threats we urge you to take action. Talking about it with someone instead of bottling it up will relieve some of the frustration. Online cruelty hurts. And if a friend is upset by hateful or cruel posts or messages, practice good listening. They need you. Also, be part of the solution by reporting this kind of stuff when you read/receive it.

At VU students can contact the:

Counseling Center (confidential help)
Location: Welsh Administration Building, Room 134.
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 812-888-4374

Affirmative Action Office or VU

Phone: 812-888-5848

VU Campus Police

Phone: 812-888-5555

You can also contact The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention hotline at: 866-488-7386

Here are a few more resources where you can find/give help:

• MTV's A Thin Line campaign was developed to identify, respond to, and stop the spread of digital abuse. The campaign is built on the understanding that there's a "thin line" between what may begin as a harmless joke and something that could end up having a serious impact on you or someone else.
• In response to columnist Dan Savage's "It Gets Better," video project, the Make it Better Project gives youth the tools they need to make their lives better now.
• Tri-State Alliance (TSA) is a not-for-profit social service/education organization that serves gays, lesbians and bisexuals in Southwestern Indiana, Northwestern Kentucky and Southeastern Illinois.

Need more information? Checkout our library catalog to find books on bullying and prevention. You can also search for articles online from our library's webpage.

Sources for this post: ALA- GLBTRT;