“When children are singled out because of a shared characteristic — such as race, sexual orientation, or religion — or a perceived shared characteristic, the issue not only affects that individual but the entire community. Policymakers believe that AAPI students who are bullied face unique challenges, including religious, cultural, and language barriers. In addition, there has been a spike of racial hostility following the September 11 attacks against children perceived to be Muslim. The classroom should be the safest place for youth, but for some AAPI students, it can be a very dangerous environment.
— Kiran Ahuja, Executive Director White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Here is a video of Former NFL Wide Receiver and former member of the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Hines Ward telling his story– of overcoming bullying and his experience growing up as a multiracial boy. When students make the connection that anyone can be bullied and that anyone can overcome it, they are better able to speak up or speak out about their own experiences or those of their friends.
https://youtu.be/UZWitur6AeI
For more on the #ActToChange movement from the White House Initiative on AAPIs (Asian American Pacific Islanders) go to https://www.whitehouse.gov/aapi