News conference today: Bullying in presidential campaign

For more information, contact:
Chris Williams
651-292-4816 (work)
651-247-5539 (cell)

Megan Boldt
651-292-4818 (work)
651-245-9163 (cell)

ST. PAUL, Minn. Oct. 3, 2016 – U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison will join educators at a news conference this afternoon to ask Minnesotans to reject bullying, stereotyping and scapegoating in the presidential election because of its effect on Minnesota children. 

Juanita Ortiz, a St. Paul teacher and officer in the League of Latino Educators, will comment on the latest incident at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities campus.  

Amy Hewett-Olatunde, 2015 Minnesota Teacher of the Year, will speak about the campaign's impact on Muslim students. She will be joined by two Somali students.  

Anne Lindgren, a speech language pathologist in the Anoka-Hennepin schools, will share the effects of what she calls the "toxic verbal battle" on her middle school students. 

Noted bullying prevention expert Dr. Walter Roberts of Minnesota State University – Mankato will share advice for adults who want to help their children cope with the current political climate. 

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

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.