
problem with passive bystanders is that they do not challenge an
aggressor's prejudicial or biased behavior; and
WHEREAS, Consequently more serious acts of discrimination,
hate and violence can ensue as a result of the inaction of
passive bystanders; and
WHEREAS, In contrast, the University of Manchester describes
an active bystander as someone who takes the responsibility to
act when the bystander becomes aware of a problematic situation;
and
WHEREAS, The Scottish government's Independent Advisory Group
on Hate Crime, Prejudice and Community Cohesion suggests that
responsibility for tackling hate crime in society should extend
beyond the criminal justice system; and
WHEREAS, The Independent Advisory Group on Hate Crime,
Prejudice and Community Cohesion also suggests that bystander
intervention is an effective way to stop the normalization of
prejudicial and biased behavior; and
WHEREAS, The University of Manchester recommends three
strategies as safe, active bystander techniques: remove,
distract and delegate; and
WHEREAS, Removing a victim from a problematic, discriminating
situation directly disrupts and defuses the situation and
ensures the victim's safety; and
WHEREAS, In order to derail a hateful conversation and
obstruct further problematic actions by an aggressor, it is
effective to distract the aggressor with a direct statement such
as, "I don't like what you just did"; and
WHEREAS, Delegating the intervention to someone nearby such
as a police officer, teacher or manager can also be a safe way
to disrupt an individual's prejudicial behavior; and
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