When bullying is being done based on race or national origin and is severe enough or persistant, it may be considered harassment which is covered under the federal civil rights laws.
Bullying based on religion is usually accompanied with stereotypes made about the people who practice that religion, not just the actual religion itself. In this case, the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights may be able to help.
Unfortunately, there has been little research done on bullying and religion. From research that has been done has shown that bullying against Muslim children has grown significantly since the attack on 9/11. According to a 2010 survey of Muslim youths aged 11 to 18 conducted by the Washington-based advocacy group Muslim Mothers Against Violence, all 57 respondents reported being called a name because of their faith, including 80 percent who said they had been called a "terrorist."
Bullying against religion is nothing new, but with constant media images of American soldiers fighting on Muslim lands, Muslim students are constantly having to defend themselves from cruel comments and actions thrown at them. It is sad to say, that some of these bullies are teachers themselves.
Bullying based on religion is usually accompanied with stereotypes made about the people who practice that religion, not just the actual religion itself. In this case, the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights may be able to help.
Unfortunately, there has been little research done on bullying and religion. From research that has been done has shown that bullying against Muslim children has grown significantly since the attack on 9/11. According to a 2010 survey of Muslim youths aged 11 to 18 conducted by the Washington-based advocacy group Muslim Mothers Against Violence, all 57 respondents reported being called a name because of their faith, including 80 percent who said they had been called a "terrorist."
Bullying against religion is nothing new, but with constant media images of American soldiers fighting on Muslim lands, Muslim students are constantly having to defend themselves from cruel comments and actions thrown at them. It is sad to say, that some of these bullies are teachers themselves.
Gypsy/Travellers are also found to be highly discriminated against. A peer research project with young Gypsy/Travellers in Scotland 2005, found that 92% of these young people said they had been picked on because they were Gypsy/Travelers.
(the photo to the left is of Gypsy Travelers protesting a documentary entitled "Big Fat Gypsy Weddings" because it stereotyped their culture negatively.)
We are feeding our children to hate cultures and religions different than us through the media. The reason for this hate is mostly ignorance. Lack of knowledge of a particular religion, culture, or race. Accusations and assumptions made soley on stereotypes.
Our nation stresses the importance of teaching our children. But, we do not teach our children how to tolerate each others' differences. Why?
It will be difficult for our country to function in a society mixed with so many different cultures, races, and religions if the hate continues.
We must teach our children compassion, because as of now, that compassion is lacking in most of our youth.
(the photo to the left is of Gypsy Travelers protesting a documentary entitled "Big Fat Gypsy Weddings" because it stereotyped their culture negatively.)
We are feeding our children to hate cultures and religions different than us through the media. The reason for this hate is mostly ignorance. Lack of knowledge of a particular religion, culture, or race. Accusations and assumptions made soley on stereotypes.
Our nation stresses the importance of teaching our children. But, we do not teach our children how to tolerate each others' differences. Why?
It will be difficult for our country to function in a society mixed with so many different cultures, races, and religions if the hate continues.
We must teach our children compassion, because as of now, that compassion is lacking in most of our youth.