If it seems like you're seeing orange everywhere you go today, there's a reason: Unity Day
Started just three years ago by PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center, Unity Day has become a national movement in which everyone is encouraged to wear orange and support local anti-bullying efforts.
And it's not just students. Expect to see more orange if you're driving over the I-35W bridge tonight. The I-35W bridge will again be lit orange at sunset in observance of Unity Day.
"Unity Day is a great time to send an orange message of solidarity against bullying," said Paula Goldberg, executive director of the Bloomington-based PACER Center. "We encourage everyone to come together in schools, communities, and online to unite against bullying. When we stand together, no one has to stand alone."
Schools across Minnesota are participating in Unity Day as well as other activities held in conjunction with National Bullying Prevention month which is observed in October.
"Bullying negatively interferes with a student's ability to receive an education," said Minneapolis Superintendent Bernadeia Johnson. "It has no place in a learning environment dedicated to bringing out the best in all our students."
This year, Unity Day has special meaning since it's the first one observed since Minnesota lawmakers passed the Safe and Supportive Schools Act.
The new law replaces one that - at just 37 words - was considered the weakest in the nation. Minnesota became the focal point of the national conversation about bullying after several students in the Anoka-Hennepin School District committed suicide.
