Recognizing and honoring Mia DeJesus for her courageous anti-bullying message and commitment to help other young victims of bullying.

WHEREAS, On January 27, 2016 Mia DeJesus, a 10th grade student at Northeast High School and a victim of bullying, was assaulted to the point of unconsciousness by four girls in her school’s public restroom; and

WHEREAS, The girls who assaulted Mia uploaded a video recording of the attack to social media in an attempt to humiliate Mia; and

WHEREAS, To combat bullying and encourage fellow victims of bullying, Mia uploaded the same video response along with her anti-bullying message and her desire to help other young victims of bullying; and

WHEREAS, Mia’s video response went viral under the hashtag #TeamMia and has been viewed over two million times; and

WHEREAS, Mia and her mother were interviewed on 6ABC News, further spreading Mia’s message against bullying and offering encouragement to victims; and

WHEREAS, Mia’s powerful video continues to accrue viewers from all over the world who are empowered by her positive message and support her strong stance against bullying; and

WHEREAS, Mia is being homeschooled until her school situation can be adequately addressed, but she continues to fight against bullying, spreading an effective message; and

WHEREAS, In the City that has adopted the motto, “The City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection”, bullying stands against our deepest moral convictions and cannot be tolerated. Mia’s response of self-empowerment to an act that was intended to bring her humiliation is emblematic of this City’s deepest values; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and commends Mia DeJesus for her constructive actions against bullying and her commitment to help other victims.

RESOLVED FURTHER, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mia DeJesus further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.

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