Hillary Clinton Announces Major Anti-Bullying Policy

Today, Hillary Clinton announced a major new plan to help children, families and educators confront the challenge of bullying and heal divisions in communities around the country. The initiative, Better Than Bullying, would provide $500 million in new funding to states that develop comprehensive anti-bullying plans, empowering communities to improve school climates and support our kids. Clinton believes that no child should face bullying or harassment, and she believes we all have a responsibility to our kids to find solutions to these challenges, to prioritize them and to implement them.

Hillary Clinton addressed the new plan during a rally today in North Carolina, saying:

“We all know that bullying is a real problem in our classrooms our playgrounds and online – and teachers have reported that this election has made it worse.  I want you to know, we’re going to launch a major new effort to help states and communities and schools and families end bullying wherever it takes place…  I can’t think of anything more important than making sure every single one of our children knows that they are loved just as they are. So ultimately, my friends, as Michelle reminds us, this election is about our kids – and in my case, my grandkids. Their lives and their futures, nothing is more important to me than that. I’ve been fighting for kids throughout my career. I will fight for them every single day of my Presidency.”

More About Better Than Bullying:

The federal government will provide flexible grants to states to tailor anti-bullying plans to their local communities, in keeping with the following national priorities:

• Developing comprehensive anti-bullying laws and policies that explicitly prohibit bullying on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and religion.
• Making the Internet a safer space for kids by addressing cyberbullying.
• Supporting educators working to improve school climate.
• Providing support for students impacted by bullying and abuse.
• Expanding behavioral health programming — teaching young people to control their impulses, recognize the feelings of others, and manage stress and anxiety.

Read the Better Than Bullying Fact Sheet here.

Hillary for America also released a new television ad, “Bryce,” that tells the story of a young man with muscular dystrophy who has overcome bullying. Throughout the campaign, Clinton has talked about the need for more love and kindness in our culture, and she’s recognized that bullying is an urgent crisis that contributes to poor academic performance, increased incidence of depression, and in some extreme cases, suicide.

Hillary for America hosted a press call this morning to discuss the new policy and the dangerous effect of bullying that leaders are seeing through the country. Following the call, supportive statements rolled in from leaders in the education policy and civil rights communities:

Ann McQuade, a New Hampshire educator who teaches english to refugee and immigrant students from more than 30 countries: “We’re seeing a terrible trickle-down effect from the Trump effect into our public schools. And since Donald Trump officially became the republican nominee for president, many of my refugee and immigrant students have come to me to ask questions that revolve around, ‘What if?’ These honest conversations have been sobering and sad… These beautiful, hopeful kids, they come to this country to find a better life and we say to them: ‘Welcome to America,’ and then they watch television and are exposed to angry social media that sends a different message.”

Tony Coelho, former Congressman and architect of the Americans with Disabilities Act: “One of the things we are most concerned about in the disability community is getting rid of the stigma that has existed for years and years. We were making tremendous progress when it comes to that. My really strong belief is that Donald Trump has brought hate back… When you have a candidate who is a nominee for president of one of our legitimate parties who is openly mocking, openly stigmatizing those of us with disabilities, that is a huge setback. We, in our community, really appreciate what Hillary is trying to do to take it the other way and get back to the progress that we were making… She has been with us all these years, and now she is coming in on a major issue and defending us again.”

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers: “This election cycle—with candidates like Donald Trump using the currency of hate, fear and marginalization—has made combating bullying a more urgent issue. Trump is a bully’s bully, and the consequences of his actions will last far beyond Nov. 8. Hillary Clinton gets this, and her ‘Better than Bullying’ plan demonstrates her understanding of the need for comprehensive and long-term solutions. ‘Better than Bullying’ will give states the incentive to develop comprehensive anti-bullying plans, and it will provide parents, educators, school staff and communities with the resources and skills they need to prevent bullying and to support those who experience bullying… We appreciate that Hillary Clinton understands the importance of tackling bullying, and we look forward to partnering with the next president of the United States on an even more comprehensive approach to addressing bullying and other school climate issues.”

Lily Eskelsen García, president of the National Education Association: “Like our educators, Hillary Clinton understands that kindness, collaboration and cooperation are important in school and in life. The rise in vitriolic speech in classrooms and the anxiety created by Donald Trump illustrate that students need this support now more than ever. Educators are proud to have a partner in policies that help our children and look forward to working with Secretary Clinton to implement these proposals as president.”

Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign: “As Donald Trump’s rhetoric continues to foment violence and encourage division among Americans of all ages, Hillary Clinton is bringing real solutions to fight the bullying and abuse that so many LGBTQ youth face on a daily basis. We know from our own research and work in schools that growing up LGBTQ in America today is not easy. Hillary Clinton’s comprehensive anti-bullying plan is a crucial and welcome step toward improving the lives of our youngest, most vulnerable Americans.”

Deb Delisle, executive director and CEO of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development: “Secretary Clinton’s proposal to take on bullying in schools couldn’t have come at a better time. Educators have long known that in order for kids to succeed, we must focus on the whole child, which starts with a safe and supportive learning environment. Our kids are counting on adults and especially our elected officials to make this a priority and to lead by example. Bullying has no place at school, in the workplace, or in politics.”

Pamela Cantor, M.D., president and CEO of Turnaround for Children: “Children will struggle to learn if they feel fear in their classrooms, lunch rooms and hallways. Bullying is a source of trauma and trauma sets off a stress response that impacts the learning centers of the developing brain, interfering with attention, working memory and organization. All children need to attend schools where they feel physically and emotionally safe in order to engage in learning. It is critically important to have national leadership on this issue so that many more children can succeed in school.”

Alice Johnson Cain, executive vice president of policy and partnerships for Teach Plus: “Children watch and learn from the adults in their lives every day. When the bar for what is acceptable behavior in political discourse is lowered — as Donald Trump has lowered it throughout the campaign — there is a ripple effect that has reached into our schools and classrooms. I applaud Secretary Clinton for, once again, stepping up to help kids. These smart and concrete steps, taken in partnership with educators, will make a tremendous difference in addressing this growing problem.”

Joan Lombardi, PhD, international expert on child development and social policy: “Stopping bullying before it starts is not only the right thing to do, but a smart thing to do to promote important  social skills among children.”

Kelsey Louie, CEO of the Gay Men’s Health Crisis: “The hateful rhetoric about the LGBT community heard on the campaign trail has been both horrifying and inexcusable. There can be no question that LGBT kids face a much higher risk of bullying, harassment and other forms of violence. And it is not just the LGBT community that has been targeted. Silence in the face of hatred, racism and homophobia is dangerous since it only foments bullying, harassment and violence. We at GMHC support this and all efforts to end the silence and combat bullying in order to advance our nation’s promise of equality for all.”

Michael Yudin, former Assistant Secretary of Special Education: “We must do everything we can to make sure all of our children have the opportunity to grow up free of fear, violence, and bullying. Bullying of children in our schools or on the internet cannot be tolerated, and Secretary Clinton’s comprehensive anti-bullying plan will empower States and local communities to make sure all of our children have the opportunity to learn and thrive.”

National Center for Special Education in Charter Schools: “We’re glad @HillaryClinton’s anti-bullying plan aligns w/our guidelines for positive learning environments for all! http://bit.ly/2dM8ZEF”

Erica L Smegielski, Gun Violence Prevention Advocate: “.@HillaryClinton takes cyberbullying seriously! Having lived with these attacks for years, I thank you for standing up to this serious issue”

Morgan Polikoff, associate professor of K-12 policy, USC Rossier School of Education: “I think there are some really excellent ideas in Hillary’s new anti-bullying plan.”

For all the latest, follow our Scheduled Events page and follow Clinton on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Also, be sure to subscribe to the campaign’s official Podcast, With Her.

News Source: The Briefing

Bill Clinton, Anne Holton Campaign for Hillary

On Wednesday, Bill Clinton campaigned on behalf of Hillary Clinton in Iowa. His first stop was in Indianola where he spoke about a number of Hillary’s platform points before challenging Donald Trump’s vision of America. Bill criticized the Trump campaign for its “venom and poison and nastiness,” and he also went after the campaign’s slogan “make America great again.” Bill said he did not like what that implied saying, “That’s an economic and a social message. It is (a message that says), ‘We’ve become too diverse and I’ll move you back up the social totem pole and give you the economy you had 50 years ago.’” Following the event, Bill traveled to his next stop, but made a surprise stop for coffee in Ames. A video from the event will be added when/if available.

Bill’s final event of the day was an organizing event in Waterloo. Speaking for nearly an hour, he spoke about a number of Hillary’s platform points saying that while there has been progress, some people are not seeing it. But Bill said that he does not buy into Trump’s vision of America. “I have heard now for a year and a half how terrible America is, how we’re going to hell in a handbasket, how we’re being by overrun by people from somewhere else, and it’s us against them. So, here we are in Waterloo, you’ve got an African-American mayor. I met in the line people associated with every religion, from at least five different European countries … and at least two Muslims. That’s America,” he said. Bill called for an inclusive country saying that our diverse population is our country’s biggest asset. A video from the event is below.

Anne Holton, meanwhile, spoke at events in Manchester and Salem, New Hampshire. During each event, Holton focused on Hillary’s platform plans to expand education for the youngest Americans as well as those who are going to college. Holton, the former Secretary of Education for Virginia, has been holding roundtable events for the campaign since her husband, Tim Kaine, was announced as Hillary’s running mate. Videos from the events will be posted when/if available.

For all the latest, follow our Scheduled Events page and follow Clinton on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Also, be sure to subscribe to the campaign’s official Podcast, With Her.

News Source: Des Moines Register, Iowa State Daily, The Courier, NH1

Hillary Clinton Statement on Actors’ Equity Association Endorsement

Hillary Clinton received the endorsement of the Actors’ Equity Association. In a statement, the group said this is the first time they have endorsed a presidential candidate, but they felt the need to speak out. Executive Director Mary McColl expressed the importance of unions and the reason for their endorsement of Clinton. “Our union has historically chosen to remain nonpartisan and above the fray. But at such a critical time in our country’s history, this union does not have that luxury if we hope to protect our members. We have to fight with everything we have for our survival.” Clinton responded to the endorsement with the following statement.

“I am honored to have earned the first-ever endorsement of the Actors’ Equity Association.

I have spent my life fighting to even the odds for those who have had the odds stacked against them. That means making it possible for every child to live up to his or her God-given potential, no matter where they come from, what they look like, or who they love. And, although this is an unusual thing for a candidate for President to say, it means working to create more love and kindness in our country. 

The Actors’ Equity Association shares these core values. And I couldn’t be prouder to have them standing with me in this election. The stakes could not be higher.

From the beginning, Donald Trump has based his campaign on prejudice and paranoia. He has insulted immigrants and demeaned women. He has called for banning 1.5 million people from so much as entering this country because of their religion. He mocked and mimicked a reporter with a disability. He would appoint Supreme Court justices who would overturn marriage equality, and when the time came to choose a running-mate, he selected a man who signed a law that would have allowed Indiana businesses to discriminate against LGBT people.

Donald Trump does not understand a basic truth about America: we are stronger together.

Americans don’t tear each other down—we lift each other up. We don’t build walls—we break down barriers. Together, we’ll fight to finally guarantee equal pay for women, protect workers’ rights to organize and bargain collectively, and build an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top. We’ll pass the Equality Act and make it illegal to discriminate against LGBT people in employment and housing—and we won’t let up in the fight against HIV and AIDS until we reach the goal of an AIDS-free generation, which is finally in sight. We will face up to the reality of systemic racism and fix it—and we’ll fight back against those who are trying to deny Americans their fundamental right to vote. And above all, we will never forget that we are in this together, one nation, indivisible.

The future we want is within our reach—let’s build it together.”

For all the latest, follow our Scheduled Events page and follow Clinton on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Also, be sure to subscribe to the campaign’s official Podcast, With Her.

News Source: Actors’ Equity Association

 

Clinton Campaigns in Charlotte, Addresses Baptist Convention

On Thursday, Hillary Clinton spoke to a crowd of supporters at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina. Clinton began by addressing the North Carolina voting laws saying that, as a country, we should be working to expand early voting, not limit it. She said, “Now North Carolina has been trying to restrict people’s right to vote. The federal court just struck down this state’s voter ID law.” Clinton then spoke about a number of platform points including lowering the debt burden of college students, creating new jobs, increasing the minimum wage, and ensuring that the economy grows and benefits everyone and not only those at the top. A video of Clinton’s speech is below.

In Kansas City, Missouri, Clinton addressed the annual National Baptist Convention. Speaking with the gathered group of ministers from across the country, Clinton quoted scripture and relayed stories growing up in a religious family. Clinton spoke about humility saying, “Our greatest leaders are often the most humble because they recognize both the awesome responsibilities of power and the frailty of human action.” During her speech, Clinton did not mention Donald Trump by name, however, she did speak about her rival saying that he does not understand religion or the African American community. A video of Clinton’s speech is below.

For all the latest, follow our Scheduled Events page and follow Clinton on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Also, be sure to subscribe to the campaign’s official Podcast, With Her.

News Source: WYFF, WSOCTV, The New York Times

Statement from HFA Responding to Trump’s Ideological Test for Immigrants

Hillary for America Senior Policy Advisor Jake Sullivan today responded to a proposal made by Republican Donald Trump last week. Trump called for Muslim immigrants entering or visiting the United States to be submitted to an ideological test. In a statement, Sullivan said that Trump’s proposal “cannot be taken seriously.” The campaign also released a video highlighting Trump’s comments. Sullivan’s statement and HFA’s video are below.

“This so-called ‘policy’ cannot be taken seriously.  How can Trump put this forward with a straight face when he opposes marriage equality and selected as his running mate the man who signed an anti-LGBT law in Indiana?  It’s a cynical ploy to escape scrutiny of his outrageous proposal to ban an entire religion from our country and no one should fall for it.”

For all the latest, follow our Scheduled Events page and follow Clinton on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Also, be sure to subscribe to the campaign’s official Podcast, With Her.

News Source: The Washington Post

Tim Kaine Speaks at the Progressive National Baptist Convention

Tim Kaine was in New Orleans on Thursday where he spoke at the Progressive National Baptist Convention. Speaking with the group of 800 leaders, Kaine spoke about his Catholic upbringing, his missionary work in Honduras, and the central theme of Hillary Clinton’s campaign of equity and opportunity. He spoke about injustice saying that it needed to be fought everywhere it appears. “That’s a proud tradition that continues in the work you do of being the voice for the voiceless, standing up for people’s rights. Registering voters and making sure people can get over the hurdles and the barriers someone put in their way so they can participate in one of the most solemn things we do,” he said. He spoke for nearly and hour, and a video from his speech is below (I apologize for the quality).

Meanwhile, in Needham, Massachusetts, Ann Lewis spoke with supporters at a fundraiser hosted by Massachusetts Women for Hillary. Then in Columbus, Ohio, a fundraiser was held with Kristin Davis. The event was hosted by Debbie Neimeth.

For all the latest, follow our Scheduled Events page and follow Clinton on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

News Source: NOLA.com, The Advocate

Hillary Clinton Bids Farewell to “The Toast”

On Friday, the website The Toast posted its final articles before shutting down. The site has been a champion of a number of topics including feminism, religion, and sexism. Hillary Clinton was clearly a fan of the site as one of the site’s final posts today was a letter from Clinton thanking the blog’s readers for their loyalty and the writers for their work. In the letter, Clinton tells them to “keep giving them hell” before concluding “we’re counting on you.” You can read the full letter below or on the website HERE.

Dear readers,

I know that today is the final day of The Toast, and I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what this space — and spaces like it — mean for women.

In nearly every industry, from publishing to scientific research, women have had to forge their own paths against overwhelming odds and less-than-friendly welcomes. When I arrived in the Senate in 2001, I was one of just 13 women, and I remember how thankful I was for my female colleagues on both sides of the aisle. My friend Barbara Mikulski famously started a tradition of dinner parties for all the women of the Senate. Over a glass of wine — okay, maybe three — we’d give each other support, advice, and highly relevant tips to navigate being in such an extreme minority.

I’ve always had great admiration for women like Barb who take it upon themselves to create spaces where women can speak their minds freely. With this site, Mallory, Nicole and Nikki did the same for so many women — and they made us laugh and think along the way.

I’m looking forward to seeing what they — and the many great writers who’ve contributed to The Toast — do next. (At least two are working for my campaign!) As we look back at what this site has meant to so many of you, I hope you’ll also look forward and consider how you might make your voice heard in whatever arenas matter most to you. Speak your opinion more fervently in your classes if you’re a student, or at meetings in your workplace. Proudly take credit for your ideas. Have confidence in the value of your contributions. And if the space you’re in doesn’t have room for your voice, don’t be afraid to carve out a space of your own. You never know — you might just be the next Nicole Cliffe, Mallory Ortberg or Nikki Chung.

Thank you, and as my friend Barb would say — keep giving them hell. We’re counting on you.

Hillary

For all the latest, follow our Scheduled Events page and follow Clinton on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

News Source: USA Today, The Toast

Clinton Pens Op-Ed on LGBT Equality in America

On Friday, CNN published an op-ed written by Hillary Clinton focusing on LGBT equality in America. In the piece, Clinton says that America is moving forward with the recent Supreme Court ruling and some states banning employers for firing an employee because of their sexual orientation. She warns, however, that Republican nominee Donald Trump has called himself a “traditional guy” when it comes to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights. Trump has said that he would support the First Amendment Defense Act, which would allow organizations to deny services to LGBT people citing their religious beliefs as their reason. Clinton vowed to keep fighting for equal rights for everyone and supports the Equality Act ensuring federal equality for all LGBT Americans. The full op-ed can be read HERE.

For all the latest, follow our Scheduled Events page and follow Clinton on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

News Source: CNN

Bill Clinton Campaigns in New Mexico, California

On Thursday, Bill Clinton campaigned on behalf of Hillary in two states. He began in New Mexico where he spoke at a Get Out the Vote event at Picacho Middle School in Las Cruces. During his speech, Bill spoke about the importance of the 2016 election and a number of Hillary’s platform points. He stressed the importance of continuing the economic growth and said that includes making the economy work for everyone and not just those at the top. Bill spoke about a number of other platform topics including refinancing student debt, expanding health care coverage, and creating new jobs. A video from the event will be posted when/if available.

Bill then traveled to California where he spoke at a rally in Redding. During the event at Shasta College, Bill spoke about voter anger and how he understood the attitude toward the current political environment. But he said that Republican nominee Donald Trump is not the answer. He spoke about Hillary’s experience and her platform points and why she is the better choice for the country moving forward. He said the way America moves forward is by working together and realizing we get more accomplished that way. Bill said, “You gotta believe in a tomorrow economy and you gotta believe in cooperation, not conflict, and you can’t turn people away at the door because you don’t like their religion or their race or their whatever.” He concluded by asking for voters’ support in next week’s primary. A video from the event is below.

Meanwhile, a number of Hillary supporters attended fundraisers on behalf of Hillary for America. In New York City, Chelsea Clinton attended a fundraising event at One Kings Lane. In St. Helena, California, Senior Policy Advisor Ann O’Leary attended a fundraiser hosted by Congressman Mike and Jan Thompson and Progressive Women of Napa Valley. Tennis champion Billie Jean King hosted a Discussion on Breaking Down Barriers in Paris, France. The event was for American citizens and was hosted by Forrest Alogna, Pamela Boulet, Belinda De Gaudemar, Hedieh Khakbaz Loubier, Marina Niforos, Elizabeth Pierson Sainty, Joe Smallhoover, Valerie Picard, Mindy Prugnaud, and Lawrence Yanovitch.

For all the latest, follow our Scheduled Events page and follow Clinton on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

News Source: KRCR, Oroville Mercury Register, KFOX 14

Chelsea, Bill Campaign for Hillary in New York

On Friday, Bill and Chelsea Clinton held a number of Get Out the Vote events in New York. Bill began with a rally in the Bronx where he spoke to a group of supporters. During the event, he criticized Republican Donald Trump for his plan to build a wall on the border between the United States and Mexico and his plan to ban Muslims from entering the country. Bill said that what the country needs is more acceptance, not intolerance. He said, “No one who walked through that door today was asked to check your faith at the door, check your race at the door, and check your politics at the door. Everywhere in the world people are working together for inclusive economic opportunities, inclusive social policies, which is a fancy way of saying we love our differences.”

Bill then spoke at a rally at The Garden at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. During the event, he spent time detailing a number of Hillary’s platform points including her plans to reduce student debt, expand clean energy, and rebuild the economy. He criticized Bernie Sanders for making it sound as though Wall Street is the central problem in the country when in fact it is more complicated than that. He said, “I think it’s fine that all these young students have been so enthusiastic for her opponent and say, ‘It’s all good, just shoot every third person on Wall Street and everything will be fine.'” He asked for voters support when New York holds its primary on April 19. Videos from today’s events will be posted when/if available.

Chelsea, meanwhile, had four events on her agenda. She attended events in Sands Point, Brooklyn, and New York City. During each of the events, Chelsea spoke with small groups of supporters touting her mother’s plans to improve heath care, enact stricter gun regulations, and keep America safe. She spoke about Hillary’s experience and how that sets her apart from the other candidates. Chelsea explained to each group how important the 2016 election is and asked them for their support in the upcoming New York primary.

In Hong Kong, a fundraiser was held for United States citizens currently living in the region. Chief Financial Officer Gary Gensler attended the event which was hosted by Young Joon Kim, Tony Miller, Robert Roche, Ruby Shang, Carolyn Wu, Wenchi Yu and James Zimmerman. The event was held at the home of Laura Howard.

For all the latest, follow our revamped Scheduled Events page and follow Clinton on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

News Source: The Hill, US News & World Report, Newsday, The Journal News