Rep. Ellison to join educators in rejecting bully politics

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Chris Williams
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ST. PAUL, Minn. Sept. 30, 2016 – U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison will join educators at a news conference Monday afternoon to ask Minnesotans to reject bullying, stereotyping and scapegoating in the presidential election because of its effect on Minnesota children.

“Right now, fear and intimidation could limit the learning of many students in Minnesota schools,” said Denise Specht, president of Education Minnesota. “These new challenges for educators were created by one candidate for president, Donald Trump.”

Former Minnesota Teacher of the Year Amy Hewett-Olatunde will be joined by two other classroom teachers and share their stories about the effect of Trump’s rhetoric and behavior on their students and their communities. Noted bullying prevention expert Dr. Walter Roberts of Minnesota State University, Mankato will share advice for adults who want to help their children cope in the current political climate.

Rep. Ellison will share his own experiences as the representative of Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, which includes the city of Minneapolis and its large immigrant communities. 

“Millions of children across our country are watching Donald Trump unapologetically belittle people who are different from him time after time,” Ellison said. “He's sending a disturbing message to our kids and it's sinking in. Reports of bullying and harassment are on the rise in our schools, especially towards students of color, Muslim Americans and immigrants.”

What: News conference to reject bullying behavior in the presidential race.
Why: October is Bullying Prevention Month.
When: 1 - 1:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 3
Where: Room 181, State Office Building, 100 Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul 

About Education Minnesota
Education Minnesota is the voice for professional educators and students. Education Minnesota’s members include teachers and education support professionals in Minnesota’s public school districts, faculty members at Minnesota’s community and technical colleges and University of Minnesota campuses in Duluth and Crookston, retired educators and student teachers. Education Minnesota is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and AFL-CIO.