Students Explore Bullying Issues at Annual Bill of Rights Day Event

Students from Nellie A. Thornton High School in Mount Vernon and Hendrick Hudson High School in Montrose attended the Lower Hudson Valley Chapter’s Annual Bill of Rights Day on Dec. 15, 2011, at St. Paul’s Church in Mt. Vernon.

This year, we celebrated the 220th anniversary of the adoption of the Bill of Rights. Following a welcome by Mount Vernon City Councilperson Roberta Apuzzo, student recited the text of the Bill of Rights.

Jim Bostic, executive director of the Nepperhan Community Center in Yonkers, spoke to students about bullying. He described his personal experiences being bullied as a child and discussed the effects that it had on him and other victims.

Prof. Ralph Stein of Pace University Law School led a lively discussion with the high school students about bullying. Students asked insightful questions about how bullying relates the free speech rights of both the bully and the victim.

Local board member Margaret Yonco-Haines, chair of the event committee, awarded winners from our annual essay contest. The winners read their essays on the topic of “How should public schools handle bullying?”

Reporters from the Patch.com and News 12 attended the event.

Prof. Ralph Stein, Mayor Bartlett, Jim Bostic.

Jim Bostic, executive director of the Nepperhan Community Center in Yonkers.

Prof. Ralph Stein of Pace University Law School.

Questions are raised on free speech rights.

Students discuss the topic.

Nellie A. Thornton High School student comments on bullying topic.

Henrick Hudson High School student reads from the Bill of Rights.

Bullying issues are raised.