Cedar Rapids Weather
Wear Purple Day Fights Back Against BulliesBy Mark Geary, ReporterRelated ContentCEAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- Statistics show there is a strong connection between bullying of all kinds and suicides. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people and results in about 4400 deaths per year, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Bully victims are between two to nine times more likely to consider suicide than non-victims. A recent ABC News report showed 160,000 kids stay home from school every day because of bullying.
Wednesday evening, people all over the country showed up to school and work wearing purple to stand up against bullies.
In Cedar Rapids, about 150 people stood along First Avenue for several blocks with candles.
"We want to show the youth that things do get better when you're not in school and dealing with the bullying,” Rhonda Winistorfer said.
Avery Cassell said, "It really breaks my heart to hear all this news about people being bullied...especially teens."
Multiple teens have taken their own lives lately after getting harassed because of their sexual orientation. Some even experienced discrimination at the vigil.
"We just had a car go down the street and yell stuff at us. So, even when we are standing together, stuff is still happening and I think it's ignorance,” Katrina Cass said.
By bringing the issue to light, the group wants to send a clear message to the community.
"Too many people have died. No matter how you feel about homosexuals or your religion, kids dying is never a good thing,” Daniel Lang said.
People all over the country spread the word about "Wear Purple Day" by using social media and Facebook. Many are also recording videos about their experiences and uploading them to YouTube.
A similar vigil took place near the Iowa State Capitol. The Iowa Pride Network held the event in memory of those who have died because of anti-gay bullying and harassment. The group said the vigil also served as a call to action to make Iowa schools and communities safe for all students.
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