WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - West Palm Beach commissioners voted unanimously to adopt a resolution aimed at preventing bullying.
The resolution was proposed by City Commissioner Kelly Shoaf after a request by the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council. Kids are victims of bullying every day all across the country because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, religion, physical appearance, and many other factors.
According to the 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, more than 20 percent of students experienced bullying at schools. The survey also says more than 15 percent of students have been cyber-bullied, and LGBT youth are three times more likely to be the target.
That’s one of the reasons Commissioner Shoaf proposed the resolution aimed at eliminating bullying and harassment.
“No matter what their race, their ethnicity, their income level, their gender orientation, they can come and be a part of our community,” Shoaf said. “It just gives us the opportunity to start to direct our resources and make sure we are addressing bullying as an issue.
Shoaf added the city is now working to create safe places, as well as policies and programs at the library and community centers to make the city more inclusive.