By: Hollie Hojek
hhojek@kcautv.com
Thousands of students and facility members from all across Iowa came to Hyvee Hall in Des Moines for the Governor's first ever Bully Prevention Summit.
Superintendent of Sioux City Schools, Dr. Paul Gausman was a key note speaker at Tuesday's Summit in Des Moines, IA. Gausman said bullying is the number one issue facing our young children today,and something needs to be done to stop it. Gausman showed the crowd of more than a thousand people, clips from the bully documentary that was filmed in Sioux City Schools. One student getting emotional, as the video hits close to home.
"We got a modular home and it came in on wheels so my brothers were called trailer trash and white trash. Everyone needs to know that this is happening and it needs to have a stop," said Terilynn Corbin, from East Sac County High School.
And that is what this Bully Prevention Summit is all about, shining light on bullying, and taking action.
"Just having the conversation isn't enough. We need action. And the governor was willing to move us on to the action plate if you will. And move this forward," said Gausman.
The summit gave the opportunity for young students, faculty members and experts from all across the country to sit down and examine ways to prevent bullying, because as Dr. Gausman says, "It takes a community."
"I think we need to better work together to discover resources and programs and supports that we can put in to place to really help our kids," said Gausman.
And for students like Terilynn Corbin, enough is enough. She and her friends have already taken action against their bullies.
"Last year we created a group called anchors.. Because when a ship is in a storm you need an anchor to help keep it there. And we're trying to create in out school district more of a safer healthier happier place. And this is going to help us kick start everything," said Corbin.
Governor Branstad also announced the launch of a brand new 24 hour, 7 day a week hotline for people who are victims of bullying.
Yourlifeiowa.org
