Bullying listening sessions set in Bemidji

BEMIDJI - Bemidji has been chosen by members of the Governor's Task Force for the Prevention of Bullying to host listening sessions on the issue.

The first listening session, which will gather input from students, will be at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in Room 2104 at Bemidji High School.

The second listening session, which will gather input from parents, educators and community members, will be at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in the cafeteria at Bemidji Middle School.

Task Force Co-Chair Julie Herzog will be in attendance at both listening sessions. The task force, created by Gov. Mark Dayton, is comprised of 15 members tasked with examining the state's current polices on the prevention of bullying, as well as providing future recommendations to prevent bullying.

Members of the taskforce include representatives from the Department of Education, Department of Human Rights and state legislature, as well as professionals in the fields of psychology, education, pediatrics and anti-bullying advocacy.