They used to say, “Stick and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you.”
But, this saying is no longer applicable for the millions of people who are bullied online or in person every single day. Words do have an impact. The parents of Tyler Clementi know this to be true.
Jane and Joseph Clementi lost their 18-year-old son, Tyler, to suicide back in 2010 after being bullied. Days before he took his life, his college roommate had used a webcam to secretly live-stream his romantic encounter with a man in a dorm room to other students. The incident spread across campus, ridiculing Tyler for his sexuality.
This tragedy brought national attention to the issue of online bullying. After his death, the Clementis established the Tyler Clementi Foundation to promote “safe and inclusive spaces for LGBT and vulnerable youth and families.” Since forming the foundation, they have also decided to take their anti-bullying initiatives a step further by launching anew campaign called, Day 1. In an emotional interview with “CBS Sunday Morning” earlier this week, they announced the launch of the initiative.
WATCH CBS SUNDAY MORNING INTERVIEW WITH TYLER CLEMENTI’S PARENTS
Its mission is to prevent bullying before it even begins — on Day 1. It also aims to get authorities in workplaces, schools, universities and athletic programs to demand tolerance and respect for any person – regardless of their sexual orientation, appearance, dress or religion.
WATCH VIDEO ABOUT DAY 1 CAMPAIGN
In an email after the interview, Tyler’s older brother sent this out this message to supporters of the initiative:
“As we launch Day 1, I can’t help but be reminded of the losses that have made this program so necessary, especially my youngest brother, Tyler, who after being bullied, took his own life at just 18 years old despite the bright future that lied ahead for him. I have struggled to process how anyone could want to hurt Tyler. He was hard not to love. He never had problems with bullies in high school, so when I learned that he had been violated and abused by his college peers, I was in total shock. Tyler was the good kid that never got in trouble. And when he finally was in trouble, he didn’t know what to do. Underneath Day 1 is a message that every single person deserves respect and protection against bullying. This is being an “Upstander.” All too often when bullying occurs, people witness it and do not act; they do not intervene. Out of the dozens of students that witnessed Tyler’s violation, not one stood up for him.”
He concluded by saying that they believe that by everyone participating in Day 1, every person can be an ally for people just like Tyler every day, all year round.
If you are interested in becoming involved in this campaign, click here.
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