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Founder of Stop the Hate proposes "No Bullies Allowed" program to Martin County Schools
Summary
At public comment, Melvin Griffin, founder of Stop the Hate Incorporated, proposed a school initiative (books, assemblies, student leadership clubs, and an early‑childhood 'Little Leaders' program) to build a culture of kindness; he asked the board to permit implementation and said materials align with SEL.
During the public‑comment period, Melvin Griffin, founder of Stop the Hate Incorporated, asked the board to adopt the "No Bullies Allowed School" initiative in Martin County Schools.
Griffin described the initiative as three parts: a children's book series (ages 5–12), school assemblies and a teacher curriculum, and student leadership clubs. He also described a "Little Leaders" program for ages 3–5 intended for Head Start and pre‑K. Griffin said the program aligns with social‑emotional learning and character education and ‘‘empowers the students to become leaders.’’
He cited a bullying statistic: "1 in every 5 students experience reports, experience bullying," and argued that when schools teach kindness and provide peer support, bullying incidents decline and students learn better. Griffin said the initiative is designed to work alongside educators and asked for permission to place the program in Martin County Schools.
The board did not take an immediate vote on the proposal; Chair Pervis thanked Mr. and Mrs. Griffin and the superintendent said the administration would provide a written response to public‑comment questions within 10 working days, per board practice.
