Speak Truth to Power Update
In partnership with the RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights, Bucyrus Secondary building has implemented the Speak Truth to Power Curriculum in Redmen Time, as well as the Social Studies and Language Arts curricula. This initiative teaches students about human rights and provides a global perspective on issues that impact our students on a daily basis. Students examine the stories of human rights defenders and how they were able to battle injustices to influence change. Their stories are powerful and teach students to be advocates for the disenfranchised.
One specific theme we are exploring with the students is bullying. Specifically, we are asking students to consider the impact of bullying from the perspective of the bully, victim, defender and bystander. The story of Jamie Nabozny is serving as the backdrop for our exploration of the topic of bullying. His experience as a victim of bullying and subsequent court battle against the school district that ignored his plight is an inspiration to those who hope to create a society in which individuals are safe to be who they are. It is the hope of Bucyrus Secondary School that our building becomes bully-free, encourages advocacy and is supportive of human rights.
Board member Adam Stone introduced the Speak to Truth to Power program to our district. He has worked tirelessly with representatives from the RFK Center to help Bucyrus become one of the only schools in America implementing this program for our students.
For more information about the Speak Truth to Power curriculum go to http://blogs.nysut.org/sttp/curriculum/.
