Graduate School of Education and Psychology Distinguished Lecture Series Discusses Bullying Awareness

In commemoration of October as National Bullying Prevention Month, the Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) community will unite to educate and raise awareness of bullying and its prevention on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 7 PM. The discussion, part of the Margaret J Weber Distinguished Lecture Series, will take place at the West Los Angeles Graduate Campus, Room 203. The Lecture Series is free, but registration is required.

Whether face- to face or online, b ullying is no longer viewed as a harmless part of childhood, but has devastating effects on people, such as anxiety, depression, school or work avoidance, and suicide. A panel of experts will discuss the signs and psychological effects of bullying, as well as responsibilities, appropriate responses, and current legislation.

Among the panelist are John "Jack" McManus , GSEP education professor, a school safety expert witness and a participant in the civil case that followed the passing of CA Assembly Bill 9: Seth's Law. Seth's Law is named after a 13-year-old California student who committed suicide after being bullied at school, and requires California public schools to adopt policies to protect students who are targets of  unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Also speaking on the panel is Keegan Tangeman (PsyD '08), adjunct faculty member and the director of mental health services at STAR of CA, where he oversees the school-based mental health programs. He will be joined by Jon Pease (MFT '08) , clinical and executive director of nonprofit NotTheTarget.com, which helps any persons involved in the cycle of bullying.

The discussion will be moderated by Yolanda Aguerrebere, a member of the GSEP Board of Visitors and a 35-year education leader who has served as a teacher, instructional advisor, elementary and secondary principal, mentor, consultant, researcher, and international speaker. She spent 24 years with the Los Angeles Unified School District and 11 years with the El Rancho Unified School District.

For more information, and to register, visit the Graduate School of Education and Psychology website.