Every student deserves the right to an educational environment free from intimidation, threats or abuse, so Pearland ISD takes immediate action to investigate and address any reports of bullying.

In addition, the district provides numerous prevention and intervention programs at campuses.

These anti-bullying programs teach students to respect their own and others’ differences, whether race, gender, religious beliefs or other distinctions.

Some of the major programs used include No Place for Hate for middle/junior high schools and Rachel’s Challenge for high schools.

The No Place for Hate campaign encourages children to stand up against prejudice and discrimination and create a world of harmony and respect. Students organize inclusive activities from signing resolutions of respect to eating with new classmates for “mix it up” mealtimes.

Rachel’s Challenge, a non-violence school program, promotes compassion and emphasizes every person’s worth. Following a powerful presentation about Rachel Scott, the first victim of the Columbine High School shooting, students organize a "Friends of Rachel" group, impacting their peers through supportive outreach activities.

In addition, Pearland ISD campuses offer many other resources to encourage respect and teach students how to identify and respond to bullying:

• Cyber bullying awareness and prevention lessons
• "Project Wisdom" daily announcements
• Empowering Children, Hurdling Obstacles (ECHO) program to increase students’ self-esteem
• Confidential programs to report bullying to school personnel
• Peer mediation
• Lessons about the difference between reporting for safety reasons and tattling
• Recognition/rewards for students with outstanding character throughout the year

In September, Pearland ISD conducted a counselor training specific to bullying prevention at school and online. Counselors from every campus level attended the training.

"Our students represent many different cultures, ethnicities and religions. As we teach them in the classroom or coach them on the ball field, we strive to help them recognize and appreciate this diversity," said Dr. Bonny Cain, Pearland ISD superintendent.