Vermont Narratives for Change
A Storytelling Campaign against Harassment & Bullying
Email us with questions at: HHBVTStorytelling@gmail.com
Who we are
A coalition of organizations in Vermont is launching a powerful storytelling project that aims to shed light on experiences with harassment, hazing, and bullying in schools.
This project seeks to raise awareness about the impact of these negative behaviors and advocate for positive change within schools statewide. We believe that by sharing collective stories, we can create connections and validation that support a healing process for affected students.
What are the options for telling my story?
Your privacy is very important to us and we are taking steps to ensure the security of your data. At the end of this survey, you will have the option to decide how we use your information. All data will be used anonymously, unless you choose to share your name along with your story. For more information about your privacy and security, please follow this link.
What is Hazing, Harrasment, and Bullying?
Hazing
occurs when a student wishes to join a school club or participate in a school activity, and another student or a group of students intentionally embarrass, humiliate, or endanger their physical or mental health as a means of gaining entry into the club or activity. This behavior can take place on or off school property.
Harassment
is when a student or someone who works at the school says or does things to hurt others. This can make it hard for them to learn, hurt their feelings a lot, or take away their rights. It happens because of things like the person's race, where they come from, their gender identity, disability, religion, or other things that make them who they are or are perceived to be.
Bullying
is when one student or a school staff member keeps picking on another student again and again. They do this to make the student feel bad or scared. This often happens during school hours, like on the school bus during school activities, and even online. It's also considered bullying if anyone would think that the behavior is meant to make it unsafe for the victim to go to school.
Examples of Hazing, Harrasment, and Bullying?
Hazing
Example 1: The football team has an initiation night where new team members stand with their arms tied while other players take turns assaulting them with open hands and clenched fists.
Example 2: Students who join the orchestra need to endure hours of insults, derogatory comments, and personal humiliation from older members as part of their initiation. process.
Harassment
Example 1: A six-year-old Black boy endured verbal and physical attacks, theft, and relentless taunts by his peers. They made fun of him for not defending himself and repeatedly used derogatory language, including the term 'gay' and the ‘N word’
Example 2: A middle school student with ADHD and a writing disability, was often called derogatory names, such as ‘stupid’ or dumb, taunted on the bus, and mocked for enjoying Minecraft and Pokemon.
Bullying
Example 1: During lunch breaks, a girl would sit alone at a corner table in the cafeteria, engrossed in a book. A group of friends would gather at a nearby table and make loud, mocking comments about her. They'd imitate her shy demeanor and laugh at her for not having any friends.
Example 2: In the hallways between classes, a group of friends would call a boy names like "Bookworm" and "Lonely Loner.