Empire State Review Team 
The New York City Department of Education (DOE) announced the launch of a citywide anti-bullying campaign today, aimed at fostering inclusivity and addressing bullying in schools. The initiative, titled “Stand Together NYC,” includes workshops, peer mentoring programs, and an anonymous reporting app for students and parents.
Chancellor David Banks emphasized the importance of creating a safe learning environment for all students. “Bullying has no place in our schools, and this campaign is about empowering students to speak out and support one another,” Banks said during a press conference in Brooklyn.
The campaign will also include specialized training for teachers and school staff to identify and address bullying effectively. Resources will be available in multiple languages to ensure accessibility for the city’s diverse student population.
Students welcomed the initiative, with many expressing hope that it would create a more supportive school culture. “It’s good to know the city is taking this seriously,” said Javier Morales, a high school junior from Queens. “It shows that our voices matter.”
Advocacy groups praised the campaign but called for ongoing investment in mental health services to support both victims and perpetrators of bullying. The DOE plans to evaluate the program’s impact at the end of the school year and make adjustments as needed.
