Right now, as you read this, a child is likely being bullied right here in Lawrence County. It happens every day and happens in every school district.

Shining a light on bullying in our community and in our schools can often be a painful process, as most self reflection is.

That makes it all the more important.

The Fairland School District is raising money to host an anti-bullying program called Rachel’s Challenge. It is named for Rachel Scott, the first victim of the Columbine High School shooting in 1999, the deadliest school shooting in our history until the recent Sandy Hook tragedy. While no one yet knows exactly what occurred in Newtown, Conn., bullying may have played a role at Columbine.

The Fairland District hopes to present these programs but are seeking financial support. Why don’t other schools get involved and form a partnership to make this affordable and reach as many students as possible?

Would organizers of the program be willing to work out an agreement to present multiple programs over a period of two or three days at a reduced cost?

We would think so.

Each school district could share the cost and there could be multiple programs at the schools and in the community for parents.

Bullying is an epidemic that eats at the fabric of our society. Working together we could bring this program to Lawrence County in the short-term and overcome this issue in the long-term.