By Maretta Short/ NJ Voices Guest Blogger
Recent reports of hazing and bullying of female students in
The National Organization for Women of New Jersey considers bullying a dangerous and damaging manifestation of sexism, heterosexism and racism. In addition, bullying among children can ultimately spread into our communities as gang violence. It’s up to our elected and school officials to recognize the urgency in creating environments that discourage bullying, and implementing policies and programs to prevent bullying.
Unfortunately, awareness of bullying, particularly bullying that involves sexual harassment, is not a top priority for many leaders. For example, in April, NOW-NJ and a number of other organizations sent a letter to Newark Mayor Cory Booker calling his attention to one of the city’s newly renovated parks named, “
Although the name “Boys’ Park” may have historic roots, it sends a message of exclusion and discrimination that is simply unacceptable in today’s society. Just as the city would not identify a park by race or religion (e.g. “Whites’ Park” or “Christians’ Park”) it should not do so by gender. Imagine what girls in the neighborhood must think of themselves, their community, and the world when the name of their local park specifies that such a lovely public space isn’t for them.
It’s quite possible that some children who may not be aware of their rights in public spaces, may take the name at face value. This could provide some boys with a false sense of entitlement and provoke them to exclude girls (and perhaps other boys) by harassment, intimidation or bullying. Not only would this undermine the purpose of the park, but it would create the potential for a discrimination lawsuit against the City.
Parks and public spaces are integral parts of communities and provide benefits beyond mere recreation. They can create community cohesion and give a place a sense of identity. We hoped that the Mayor and the city would be willing to ensure that the Central Ward be a place where girls are treated equally and could aspire to the same goals as boys. Unfortunately, in the case of our outreach about “Boys’ Park,” we received no action or response.
Bullying starts at an early age and it elevates into our communities and even into the workplace. Bullying can extend into our communities in the form of gang violence. It’s about time that Mayor Booker recognizes that addressing bullying is an urgent matter that deserves his attention. Renaming “Boys’ Park” is a small and simple step. But moreover, it’s time for
Maretta Short is President of the National Organization for Women –