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White House to host anti-bullying conference

by Michael K. Lavers

National News Editor

Tuesday March 1, 2011

The White House announced on Tuesday it will host an anti-bullying conference on March 10.

Melody Barnes, the White House's domestic policy advisor, told reporters participants will have a chance to speak with President Obama and representatives from the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services about bullying and how to address it.

"The president believes we must ensure schools are safe for all kids," said Barnes.

This conference will take place nearly six months after Rutgers University freshman

Tyler Clementi took his own life after his roommate and a friend allegedly videotaped him having a sexual encounter with another man in his dorm room. Clementi's death was among a string of suicides last fall that highlighted the issue of anti-LGBT bullying.

Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were among those who recorded videos for the It Gets Better Project.


Based in Washington, D.C., Michael K. Lavers has appeared in the New York Times, BBC, WNYC, Huffington Post, Village Voice, Advocate and other mainstream and LGBT media outlets. He is an unapologetic political junkie who thoroughly enjoys living inside the Beltway.