Ypsi Community Schools join statewide ‘Be a Buddy, Not a Bully’ campaign

As schools across Michigan recognize October as Bullying Prevention Month, Ypsilanti Community Schools (YCS) is joining a statewide effort to encourage kindness, inclusion, and safer learning environments through the “Be a Buddy, Not a Bully” campaign. The initiative, launched by LLYC US in partnership with local schools and organizations, including Rehmann, Samaritas, and the Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative, encourages students, school districts, and businesses to take a stand against bullying by signing a pledge to promote kindness in their schools and communities. 

At Ypsilanti Community Middle School, Principal Charles A. Davis Jr. says participation “reinforces our commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance stance on bullying,” and to ensuring every student feels safe, respected, and valued. 

“We want our scholars to understand that bullying is unacceptable and that kindness, respect, empathy, and inclusion are expectations we uphold every day,” Davis says. 

Bullying can extend beyond physical confrontations to include name-calling, social exclusion, spreading rumors, and cyberbullying, Davis says. Social media can allow conflicts to follow students home and return with them to the classroom. 

Beyond signing the pledge, Ypsilanti Community Middle School encourages students to include classmates who feel isolated, speak up safely when they witness mistreatment, and report concerns to trusted adults. 

Preventing bullying requires continued conversations, accountability, and collaboration among educators and families, Davis says.

Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross, superintendent of YCS, says the campaign supports the district’s broader commitment to student well-being and positive school culture. 

“We are honored to lead by example alongside LLYC. Teaching our scholars to choose to be a friend, to be fair, and to care every day is foundational to their success and well-being,” Zachery-Ross says. She also called on other Michigan school districts and local business leaders to sign the pledge and help ensure children feel safe and valued. 

While October provides an opportunity to focus on bullying prevention, Davis says the work must continue throughout the school year. 

Through consistent expectations, family partnerships, and support for students, YCS aims to make kindness and respect part of everyday school life. The message is simple: preventing bullying is a shared responsibility, and small acts of kindness can help build a stronger school community.