Earlier this week, U.S. Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI) met with Brandon Greene, a 13 year old student from Burrillville, Rhode Island to discuss solutions to bullying. Earlier this year, Greene was chosen to participate in a national workshop with President Obama because of his efforts to address bullying among our youth.
"It was a privilege to meet with Brandon Greene, the Founder and President of A Better Community, and a student leader making a great contribution to his community and our country," said Congressman Cicilline, "I applaud Brandon for taking the initiative to develop a committee to reduce bullying in his community."
Congressman Cicilline is co-sponsoring the Safe Schools Improvement Act and the bipartisan Student Non-Discrimination Act. Both pieces of legislation are intended to help schools and school districts develop and improve anti-bullying and anti-harassment initiatives. These pieces of legislation are supported by a wide variety of national organizations. Congressman Cicilline has also co-sponsored the Bullying Prevention and Intervention Act of 2011.
"Too many Rhode Island children live in fear," said Congressman Cicilline."Many of our kids are harassed in school and stalked on the internet or on their cell phones. In Rhode Island, 16% of students report being bullied in school and 11% of middle school students reported being cyber-bullied."
Cicilline continued, "That is why I support Brandon Greene's efforts to stem bullying in his school and I will continue to fight for legislation in Congress that will support his efforts to combat bullying in Rhode Island and across the country."