MetroWest Anti-Bullying Coalition Comes Together to Address Hate and Bullying

Last year in Southwick, Massachusetts, a group of middle school students staged a mock slave auction targeting their Black classmates — one of several deeply troubling incidents that prompted a state investigation. The incident drew national attention and resulted in a state order for corrective action, but it was far from an isolated case.

In recent years in Massachusetts, there have been numerous reports of young people being targeted by bullying because of their identity, including their race, religion, and gender identity. 

These incidents have led to significant harm and even suicide attempts by students as young as middle school. They reflect a broader rise in identity-based bullying — including racial bullying, homophobia, antisemitism, and Islamophobia — both in Massachusetts and across the country. These harmful acts not only target individuals, but also harm entire communities, affecting every student who shares that identity or fears they could be next. 

Recently, leaders from across MetroWest Boston gathered with a shared mission: to confront identity-based bullying and to work together to ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of every young person. As James Hicks, Chief of the Natick Police Department, emphasized, we must “look at bullying from the perspective of what we can do to be preventive — not only that, but what we can do as a community.”

The event was organized by the MetroWest Anti-Bullying Coalition, a groundbreaking effort convened by the grassroots nonprofit Spark Kindness. The Coalition brings together police chiefs, school administrators and educators, faith leaders, healthcare professionals, public officials, attorneys, and parents. Though these leaders come from diverse backgrounds, they are united by a common goal: to create communities where every person is treated with respect and every child can thrive.

This Coalition recognizes that the responsibility to stop bullying can’t fall on schools alone. 

“It is the crux of what is needed — a community-based approach,” said Dr. Peter Raffalli of Boston Children’s Hospital’s Bullying and Cyberbullying Prevention and Advocacy Clinic. Research shows that identity-based bullying — rooted in race, religion, gender identity, disability, and other core aspects of identity —  is especially harmful. It attacks a young person’s sense of belonging during a vulnerable time in their development. This type of bullying is linked to higher rates of suicidal ideation and serious long-term mental and physical health challenges. “We’ve seen that the most effective strategies arise when schools and communities work as true partners,” said Pat Nash, Principal of Millis High School.

As Lynn Canty, Co-Chair of the Coalition and a leader at Spark Kindness, shared: “Our hope is to help build strong webs of support — connections that are mutual, reciprocal, and enduring. This is how we create communities where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.”

One such community response highlighted at the event is the Freedom Team — a model developed by educator and activist jamele adams. These local teams, now active in 9 communities across Massachusetts and beyond, consist of volunteers from different backgrounds who meet monthly to respond to incidents of bias, hate, or discrimination. Their mission is to promote “love, unity, and trust” and support those affected by hate and exclusion.

With funding support from the MetroWest Health Foundation and other partners, the Coalition is also launching several key initiatives:

• Tip Sheets and Accessible Resources (available in multiple languages) to guide families on what to do if their child is targeted by bullying.
• An Online Program Series to keep schools and organizations up to date on research, legal rights, and data related to identity-based bullying.
• A Public Website (launching in late summer 2025) to house these resources and expand accessibility statewide.

As Liza Hirsch, Director of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Children's Justice Unit, shared: “Coalitions such as these, rooted in local communities, are absolutely critical to counter hate and bullying and create safe and healthy environments… where no one, regardless of who they are, feels alone, targeted or excluded — especially our young people.”

One of the strengths of this effort is its belief in both accountability and compassion. As Christine Guthery, Founder of Spark Kindness and Co-Chair of the Coalition, explained: “We must take action to protect those who are targeted, while also holding on to the belief that everyone has the capacity to grow, change, and do better.” 

Safe, inclusive communities are built through intention, sustained effort, and collaboration. 

At this gathering, the message was clear: awareness isn’t enough. We must act — together. As Guthery shared: “Though bullying and bias are often politicized in public discourse, they are not political — they are human issues. And human issues should unite us.”

The MetroWest Anti-Bullying Coalition reminds us what’s possible when a community unites with open eyes, full hearts, and a shared commitment to ensure every young person feels seen, safe, and supported.

Christine Fortune Guthery is an attorney, the Founder and Executive Director of Spark Kindness, and Co-Leader of the MetroWest Anti-Bullying Coalition.

Alyndra (Lynn) Canty is a lifelong educator and the Co-Leader of the MetroWest Anti-Bullying Coalition.