So students from thousands of schools across the country are putting an end to name-calling this week.

That’s because it’s No Name-Calling Week — a national event celebrated each year to stop name-calling and bullying in schools. The program was founded by the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and inspired by James Howe’s novel The Misfits.

The week gives teachers and students an opportunity to address bullying and celebrate diversity.

Schools in Hawaii have fallen victim to bullying — an issue that Civil Beat has covered in its occasional series School Bullies — Hawaii’s Struggle With Bullying, Harassment and Cyberbullying.

In honor of the event, Florida Republican U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen this week is expected to introduce a resolution to commemorate what schools across the country are doing to end name-calling, bullying and harassment. 

And GLSEN is encouraging schools to participate in its Creative Expressions Contest by creating school-wide displays featuring the week’s message. Prizes include merchandise and books. Schools can submit their documentation here.

And go to GLSEN’s No Name-Calling Week website to learn more about the program.