Himes: Preventing Bullying, Preventing Future Tragedy

Congressman Jim Himes (D, CT Dist. 4) addresses bullying in a post on his website following the recent suicide of Greenwich High School sophomore Bart Palosz, 15, who took his life on the first day of school. 

"As a member of the Greenwich community and as a father of two girls currently in the Greenwich Public Schools system, I remain heartbroken over Bart Palosz’s suicide and wish to do everything within my power to ensure such a terrible tragedy never happens again. 

Unfortunately, this is only the latest in a national string of suicides sparked by bullying over the past few years, and it pains me to hear story after story of our nation’s youths being bullied to the breaking point. 

I am hopeful that, now that Greenwich has seen the destructive power of bullying when it goes unanswered, we will join together as students, parents, teachers, and public officials to take the steps necessary to end the epidemic of bullying once and for all. 

Greenwich has an opportunity now to address bullying and improve our town’s response to this very serious issue, and I stand ready to work with everyone involved to make Greenwich a safer place for our children to learn and grow."

Greenwich Patch has reported on the tragic incident and the groundswell of efforts among parents, students and local leaders to combat the epidemic of bullying.

Recent Greenwich Patch articles on bullying:

Spurred by Tragedy: Grassroots GHS Connections Club Catches on Fast

Greenwich Schools: A Culture of Bullying?

What Kids Wish Their Parents Knew: Preventing Bullying 

Greenwich High's Names Day, 12 Years Strong