Assembly Resolution No. 223

BY: M. of A. DeStefano

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
April 2021, as Bullying Prevention Month in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious
issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2021, as Bullying
Prevention Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Bullying Prevention Month; and

WHEREAS, Bullying is comprised of direct behaviors such as teasing,
taunting, threatening, hitting, and stealing that are initiated by one
or more students against a target, as well as indirect behaviors such as
spreading rumors and acting in other ways to cause another person to be
socially isolated through intentional exclusion, with all such
behaviors, direct or indirect, amounting to physical or psychological
intimidation occurring repeatedly over time to create an ongoing pattern
of harassment and abuse; and

WHEREAS, Race, age, religion, physical disability, physical
appearance, socioeconomic status and various other factors can be the
basis of bullying and anyone can be a target; and

WHEREAS, People who bully others are at increased risk for substance
abuse, academic problems, and violence later in adolescence and
adulthood; in addition, those individuals who stand by passively
watching or actively encouraging bullying are also affected by these
hostile acts; they encourage bullying by creating an audience, they may
become desensitized to cruelty, they may learn to imitate bullying
behavior and become bullies themselves, and/or they may be fearful for
their own safety, adding to their own insecurity; and

WHEREAS, Today, nearly 30% of all students are either bullies or
victims of bullying, and 160,000 young people stay home from school
every day because of their fear of bullying; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the past year, approximately 20% of high school
students in the United States reported being bullied at their school, as
well as about 15% who claimed they were bullied online; and

WHEREAS, Individuals who choose to practice unselfish generosity and
who lead by example tend to leave a trail of positive feelings in their
wake; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be continued public awareness
of this serious issue, and to encourage all New Yorkers to practice
kindness toward all people; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2021, as Bullying
Prevention Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo.