DC Office of Human Rights Newsletter | Volume V | October 2018
October is Bullying Prevention Month
Photo courtesy of the Arizona Department of Health Services
Coming of age is unpredictable and hard enough. Navigating classrooms, homework, after-school activities, social dynamics, and parent expectations can be a daunting task for any youth. But add bullying to the mix and there are serious, often life-altering ramifications involved. This is why in 2013, the District put together the Citywide Bullying Prevention Program within the Office of Human Rights, which aims at reducing incidents of bullying across the city by emphasizing prevention and the proper procedures when incidents occur. The groundbreaking citywide approach – moving beyond just in-school prevention – makes it one of the most unique and far-reaching government bullying prevention programs in the nation. Additionally, our website houses helpful tools like the Know Your Policy portal for parents and guardians, teacher tips , and a best-practices guide to responding to incidents of bullying.

In observance of National Bullying Prevention Month , OHR will be giving a series of parent and teacher trainings at schools around the city, an agency presentation at the DC Department of Transportation, as well as presenting at the International Bullying Prevention Association Conference in San Diego, California. Please click the link below for additional information.
Trait of the Month: Disability
This protected trait makes it illegal to discriminate against someone based on a physical or mental impairment substantially limiting one or more major life activities (includes HIV/AIDS). For more information or to file a complaint, visit our website; ohr.dc.gov . October is Disability Employment Awareness Month .
This Month's Spotlights
The Office of Disability Rights and the Mayor's Office will be holding their 11th Annual Disability and Diversity Expo on October 23rd from 10am to 3pm at the UDC Student Center. There will be free giveaways, over 30 exhibitors, information sessions, and much more. OHR will have a table, so please stop by and learn about your rights.

Join DC Law Students in Court and OHR for a "Know Your Rights: Pathways to Expungement" event on October 26th from 10am to 2pm at the Department of Employment Services. Pro bono attorneys will be on hand to help with expunging criminal records, as well as answering other legal questions. OHR will also present on the "Ban the Box" laws that we enforce.

Job Opportunity - Program Analyst Position
OHR is seeking a Program Analyst for the brand new Street Harassment Prevention Program. The analyst will serve as the primary point of contact and coordinator for the Advisory Committee on Street Harassment and will to work under the direction of the Director of Communications and Community Engagement on all matters pertaining to implementation of the Street Harassment Prevention Act of 2017.
 
The incumbent must have extensive experience in collecting and tracking data, strong written and verbal communication skills, basic facilitation and training skills, and familiarity with vulnerable communities in the District and local community-based organizations that serve these populations.
 
For more information on this job opportunity and instructions on applying, click here . The deadline for initial submission is Monday, October 29, 2018 by 5 p.m.
Director's Note
In the District, our unique approach to bullying embraces a public-health framework to the vexing issue of bullying. Our local law requires us to take every incident seriously by providing immediate support to youth who are experiencing bullying and focusing on changing the behavior of students that engage in bullying. As we work to address individual incidents, we know that prevention is the goal, and that requires creating safe and supportive environments in each and every school, recreation center, library and after school space.
 
As we observe Bullying Prevention this month, it is important to note that it is not what we do in October that counts, but what we do every day to make certain that District youth know that they are heard and valued. Building trust and listening to their experiences is a daily commitment for us all and is a necessary step to ensuring that our youth have room to grow and excel without fear. 

Yours in service,
Suzanne Greenfield, Bullying Prevention Program Director
DC Office of Human Rights | 202.727.4559 | ohr.dc.gov