Bullying movie, forum Saturday in Palatine
A panel of experts will discuss how to address the nation’s bullying epidemic after a screening of the documentary movie “Bully” at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine.
The discussion, which will include insight from Harper Dean of Student Affairs Ashley Knight and Harper College Police Officer Stephan Liggio, comes amid grim statistics suggesting more than 13 million students will be bullied in American schools this year.
“The most effective approach to bullying is prevention, and that takes communication and involvement from educators, parents and other community leaders,” Knight said. “I’m pleased to have this opportunity to help make our schools and community safer and healthier for all students.”
“Bully,” a 2012 film directed by Lee Hirsch, focuses on five bullied students and the ways that they cope.
“We are overdue in addressing bullying in a comprehensive, cohesive way,” said Liggio, an 11-year veteran of Harper’s Police Department. “It’s time to make bullying a thing of the past, and enough of us standing together will make that achievable.”
Kathy Pluymert, director of Education Programs for District 15, and Rev. Michelle McNamara of Chicago’s United Church of Christ will also be on the panel, which is a joint presentation of Harper’s InZone summer camp program, the Palatine Park District and Northwest Community Healthcare.
Tickets are $3. “Bully” is rated PG-13 for strong language. To purchase tickets, visit www.cuttinghall.org, call (847) 202-5222 or visit the box office. For information, contact Carol Lange with the Palatine Park District, (847) 496-6237 or clange@palatineparks.org