Detroit - On Tuesday, March 1, 2011, the Michigan Civil Rights Commission will co-host a public forum on bullying with a number of local education, business and nonprofit institutions. The forum will take place from 4-6 pm at Union High School, located at 1800 Tremont Blvd., NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. Partners include: Kent Intermediate School District, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids Community College, the City of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Public Schools, the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan and the Wyoming Community Youth Coalition.

During this forum, the Commission will discuss and take public comment on bullying. A number of guest speakers with expertise on bullying and related issues will be present. The general public is encouraged to attend the forum, especially those who wish to provide testimony on bullying to the Commission.

"We have taken up this issue because of the long-term, negative psychological and social impacts of bullying and harassment. People must be treated equally and fairly, whether at work, online, at school or in society in general. Working with other civil and human rights organizations, we are trying to raise public awareness about this issue," stated Matthew Wesaw, Chair, Michigan Civil Rights Commission.

Both written and verbal testimony will be accepted. To provide written testimony, please email it to millerj31@Michigan.gov before February 27. If you would like to attend and need an accommodation to do so, please notify MCRC at that email address.

Additional public forums will be hosted by the Michigan Civil Rights Commission on this issue. Details will be shared at www.michigan.gov/mdcr once they are final.

For more information on the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, please visit www.michigan.gov/mdcr.