Years of battling legislators who kept saying this was not an issue only made the issue of bullying worse, and as long as schools were not required to do something they did a little here and a little there, to get by. Now we have opened the door for better communication which was my goal years ago that many did not understand and fought against. Schools who have ignore the issue for years are now addressing it, and that is the social change we need.

I have spoken several times in Ann Arbor and all I can say is keep the lines of communication open and listen from those who know where the problems lie, the students who experience it every day. Craft a policy that will move the district forward and most of all empower the students to make the most significant change. The policy is nothing without action, allow the students to take the leadership role in standing up for each other, and I guarantee you, that they will amaze you.

Kevin Epling
Matt’s Dad