LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim October 2014 as Anti-Bullying Awareness 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 memori-
alize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 2014 as Anti-Bullying
Awareness Month in the State of New York, as a symbol of the commitment
to the year-round struggle against bullying; and
WHEREAS, The mission of Anti-Bullying Awareness Month is to "Stand UP
for Character - DOWN to Bullying!"; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative to safeguard schools and communities for the
children of the State of New York, and, through the recognition of the
serious issues that face them each day, offer our children an environ-
ment that holds promise and security; and
WHEREAS, Many organizations, school districts, educators and parents
have publicly expressed concern about the bullying of children; and
WHEREAS, Each day an estimated 160,000 children refuse to go to school
because they dread the physical and verbal aggression of their peers,
and the loneliness that comes from being excluded and made the target of
rumors and cyber-bullying; many more students attend school in a chronic
state of anxiety; and
WHEREAS, It is important that the State of New York acknowledge and
heighten awareness concerning the serious issues and the negative
effects of bullying, including the long-term damage it can cause in our
youth as well as the risks of teenage suicide; and
WHEREAS, Providing a safe physical and emotional environment is a
significant goal and a personal responsibility of each individual; and
WHEREAS, It is very important that there be greater public awareness
of this serious issue, and more must be done to increase knowledge and
attentiveness at both the State and local levels to support and protect
our youth, our most precious resource; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 2014 as Anti-
Bullying Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.