In a panel discussion hosted by Dr. Joey Cope during Summit 2017, faculty from around campus gathered to discuss bullying in schools, churches and the workplace.

Cope, interim dean of the College of Professional and Graduate studies in Dallas, was joined by Dr. Steven Moore, an associate professor in the Department of Language and Literature, Dr. Jennifer Shewmaker, a professor in the Department of Psychology and Dr. Stephen Baldridge, an associate professor in the School of Social Work.

The discussion kicked off with each panel member offering a definition of the term “bullying,” or “unwanted, repetitive and aggressive behavior marked by an imbalance of power.”

The discussion touched upon recent statistics about the prevalence of bullying in our society. In addition, the faculty each touched upon their own personal experiences and research.  Moore said 64 percent of employees report being bullied in the workplace.

Baldridge said the dangers of social media are how easy it is for people nowadays to demean someone online with little to no repercussions.

“I do think that blends over into some of our face to face actions”, said Baldridge “I think the attitude is just pervasive a little bit.”

“What I find troubling is that it’s not only taking place in public schools, or private schools but also at colleges and universities and even in the workplace,” Moore said. “So we see it everywhere we go, even in churches we see bullying taking place.”