After much intense advocacy by MeckPAC, which counteracted a strong challenge from opponents of gay/lesbian equality, one of MeckPAC's major goals was achieved on March 11, 2008 when the Charlotte/Mecklenburg Board of Education adopted an anti-bullying policy that specifically includes "sexual orientation" in its language.

The new policy, supported by Superintendent Peter Gorman, specifies that bullying, or tolerance of bullying by teachers and administrators, is not permitted.

The policy lists specific groups of students who are protected from bullying, as well as outlawing any kind of bullying or harassment.  It reads, in part: “It is the policy of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education to maintain learning environments that are free from harassment or bullying. This includes, but is not limited to, freedom from harassment or bullying based on an individual’s real or perceived race, color, sex, religion, creed, political belief, age, national origin, linguistic or language differences, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, socioeconomic status, height, weight, physical characteristics, marital status, parental status or physical, mental, or sensory disability. The Board prohibits any and all forms of harassment or bullying on Board property or at Board-sanctioned events.”

Following the successful 6-3 vote by the Board of Education that enacted the policy, MeckPAC steering committee chair Phil Hargett was quoted in the local media saying, “This policy is not just about gay/lesbian students.  It protects all students, as it should.  However, we are indeed happy and very excited that the Board of Education didn't cave in to the ardent fear-mongering presented by the policy's opponents  -- fear-mongering that was based solely on the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity in the policy's broad language.  The Board's courageous vote truly ensures that ALL students will be protected.”

Thanks to everyone who supports MeckPAC allowing the organization to achieve this kind of success!