Respect for Students

September 19, 2006

By Terry Timm Moos, News@Cisco

Fear. Intimidation. Harassment. As students head back to school this month, these are not exactly the first words that immediately come to mind. But unfortunately, for many students, these words are all too real.

Creating a safe learning environment for students is a major goal of GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network), a leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Cisco Systems has taken a pro-active role in helping to make safe environments for students, and was honored recently by GLSEN during the second annual Respect Awards and Gala held in Los Angeles.

Susan Bostrom, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, Worldwide Government Affairs (center), with actress Kristin Chenoweth (left) and 17-year-old student Zach Lundin (right) from Kenmore, WA. - Photographed by Berliner Photography

The 2006 Respect Awards are given to honorees for outstanding commitment to all of America's students. Sue Bostrom, Cisco senior VP and Chief Marketing Officer/Worldwide Government Affairs, accepted the award on behalf of Cisco Systems.

"This is an important award for Cisco Systems, because GLSEN is helping to prepare a better workforce for our company. We succeed best when we choose talent that represents a cross section of our society, and where this talent embraces a variety of diverse thoughts and perspectives," she said.

Rick Moran, VP of Solutions Marketing for Cisco Systems, is a board member of the GLSEN organization, and described Cisco's involvement with GLSEN. "As a long-time proponent of education, Cisco Systems is encouraging our next generation in the pursuit of education. Doing what we can to create environments that are safe for students aligns with GLSEN's goals as well."

For the past decade, GLSEN has been striving to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. About 3,500 schools across the country are actively involved in GLSEN programs. "GLSEN has trained professionals who talk with the teachers, administrators, and students, and help them set up clubs to promote tolerance," Moran continued. "Our volunteers are students and educators who organize clubs and register with the association. GLSEN provides kits on how to run a good student organization."

"Cisco Systems has provided resources, technical expertise, and time to GLSEN, and was a major sponsor of No Name-Calling Week in March 2006. "Four thousand schools and 40 organizations across the country participated," noted Moran."

"Cisco enthusiastically stepped up last year with a gift that provided significant resources for GLSEN's No Name-Calling Week initiative," said Kevin Jennings, Founder and Executive Director of GLSEN. "Cisco's participation has enabled us to broaden the impact of No Name-Calling Week through unprecedented partnership with the National Association of Elementary School Principals. The National Board, the GLSEN staff and I are all extremely grateful to have such a pioneering, visionary corporation as a partner in this important work."

Because Cisco Systems has a large, diverse culture with people from all backgrounds, our participation with GLSEN makes sense," Moran explained. "No Name-Calling Week is not just about gender identity issues, but more about developing a respect for all diversity."

"Cisco's commitment to education has been part of the company's heritage," said Moran. "We want the next generation to be well-educated and have opportunities, but that won't happen if they don't feel safe at school. Many students are harassed simply because of religious affiliation or how they look," he added.

Moran joined the GLSEN board because he wanted a better understanding of the issues faced by diverse students. "We are fortunate in the San Francisco Bay Area to have a very diverse population, but in other regions, this isn't necessarily the case," he explained. "I also believe there should be an interconnection between technology companies and philanthropic organizations," he said.

"What GLSEN is trying to do is help create a safe environment for students - a place where they will feel safe and not be subject to verbal or physical harassment," Moran continued. "If kids aren't able to bring their whole self to the learning environment, they won't reap the benefits of the educational opportunity." Moran observed that the statistics are frightening, because so many students are victims of harassment, which means they often quit school. "We are working closely with educational institutions to prevent drop outs," he explained. "But more frightening is that harassment is also a major cause of teen suicides, so this is a very critical issue."

"When it comes down to basics, it is all about the next generation, and getting them to have a better understanding of differences. We have a responsibility to shape the next generation of employees and customers by building the best education we can," Moran said. "We are committed to respecting peoples' differences and creating an open and tolerant workplace," Moran adds. "And we hope people outside Cisco do the same in their communities."

Cisco's involvement and receipt of the GLSEN Respect Award helps raise awareness about diversity issues that go beyond cultures and races. "The work of GLSEN is all about empowerment and respect," Moran said. "At Cisco, the goal is to create a diverse, tolerant, and understanding work environment for all individuals."

Terry Timm Moos is a freelance journalist located in Seattle, WA.