State Rep. Matt Patrick
Massachusetts State Representative Matthew Patrick (D-Falmouth) was successful in adding an amendment designating a “No Name Calling Day” to the anti bullying legislation passed last night by the House of Representatives. According to a press release, the original bill was filed by Rep.Patrick in 2009 on behalf of the Mashpee KKids club, which was concerned about bullying in their school.
The bill designates the 4th Wednesday in January as “No Name Calling Day” in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It would be set aside annually to educate the public about the devastating effects of verbal bullying, encourage positive dialogue, and ask students to pledge not to call their fellow students names.
“I was favorably impressed with the seriousness of the Mashpee KKids when they asked me to file this bill,” Representative Patrick said during his floor speech on this amendment. “When they testified at the hearing, everyone in the room was taken by their concern for their fellow students that were subjected to bullying. I was moved by their sincerity to file this amendment after the ‘No Name Calling Day’ bill stalled in committee.”
“What could be better than memorializing the day when the Commonwealth decided to make a stand against bullying,” said Patrick. “Every year the students can stop for a moment to remind themselves about treating others with dignity and respect.”
The release says that “No Name Calling Day” each year “will remind the citizens of the Commonwealth about their commitment to basic human rights and dignity while respecting differences and promoting tolerance.”
What a doofus!
OMG! The best part of moving to MA was getting to use the phrase “wicked retarded”. No way am I giving that up. I am proud to claim that I was the one who introduced this wicked awesome phrase to the Mid West. It can now be heard from Pittsfield to Topeka on playgrounds, in parks, in private homes. You have to love what MA has done for America.
sarc //
Read DON’T CALL ME MICHAEL. It is a wonderful children’s chapter book about bullying, friendship, and forgiveness. None of the kids will tell anyone that Michael is a bully. This story depicts what classmates can go through when a bully is in their class. It is available from Tate Publishing or on Amazon.