Voices Against Violence

Miss America 2003 Erika Harold introduces Voices Against Violence. The series presents bystander stories to help students, parents, and school staff speak up against school violence.

Nikki's sister Kelly is flirtatious with a boy who has a jealous girlfriend. When a disagreement between Kelly and the girlfriend escalate in the lunchroom, Nikki and the other adults must decide how to react.

Alex witnesses classmates bully Jake. One day Jake shows Alex that he has a gun and plans to "get back at" the bullies. Alex must decide what to do next, and adults at school need to have a plan of how to react to the situation.

Curtis's friend Anthony becomes confrontational with Sean in response bullying at school. As a result, Anthony and Sean make plans to fight. Curtis needs to decide whether he can convince Anthony to back out of the fight.

Anna witnesses Sonya being mean to Maya, a new girl at school. Anna must decide how to prevent this behavior from continuing, and whether the support of adults is needed to stop Sonya's bullying.

Derek witnesses Victor and Ray not getting along. After Ray threatens to cut Victor with a pocket knife, Derek wants to confide in his teacher Mr. Garcia but is worried he will be labeled as a "rat."

Erika reminds us that most of the stories in Voices Against Violence include teachers, other school staff, and parents, whose presence and actions have the potential to influence the bystander's behavior.