The Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA) and Peer Mediators are celebrating a week-long event called National No Name -Calling Week, to raise awareness about bullying and to encourage students to not insult, tease or bully others. The event began on Jan. 23, and will end on Jan. 27. Along with the event, the GSA and the Peer Mediators will also be selling pins during lunch for the entire week and will host a bake sale on Jan. 25.

Both organizations feel that bullying is a problem, both at AHS and around the country. Nationally, one out of four teenagers have reported being bullied, and roughly nine out of ten LGBT teenagers have reported being harassed. Clubs like the Gay/Straight Alliance and Peer Mediators work to educate people about the dangers of bullying. They put up signs all over the school that call for respect and open-mindedness.

“I am for the Gay/Straight Alliance, because everyone deserves to have their own values and beliefs,” sophomore Hayat Yusuf said. “They should have the freedom to express themselves in a safe environment, like school.”

Students and faculty members feel that events like No Name-Calling Week will help to limit the amounts of bullying within schools.

“There’s a need for it,” freshman Lisa King said. “I think its a good idea.”