I am an anonymous student from Swanson Middle School. As a young male, the environment of my school is vital for my growth, education, and psychological health. However, I have noticed a troubling issue - the blatant disregard given by our school to the International Men's Day and Men's Mental Health Awareness Month. The lack of recognition contributes to a larger social issue: ignoring the struggles and challenges faced by men, and especially young boys like me. 

Research shows that men are almost 4 times more likely to commit suicide than women (according to Statistics from the Office for National Statistics - ONS, UK), revealing a stark, grim reality in the world of mental health. Furthermore, despite experiencing equal rates of mental illness, fewer men receive treatment as compared to women (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2014).

At Swanson Middle School, this deflective attitude towards a significant day and an entire month dedicated to men's mental health manifests itself as a disservice to male students' education and wellbeing, increasing chances of us suffering in silence. By recognizing these significant dates, the school could create an environment promoting healthy discussions about male psychology, overcoming gender stereotypes, and encouraging boys to seek help, if needed.

Please, support this petition to not only incline Swanson Middle school towards recognizing International Men's Day and Men's Mental Health Awareness Month but also to take a step towards ending the widespread institutional bias against boys and men. Sign this petition, and let's create a healthier environment for every student, regardless of gender. 

Being male is a matter of birth. Being a man is a matter of choice.” – Edwin Louis Cole
“The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” – Bob Marley
“The true test of a man’s character is not how he behaves when things are going well, but how he handles himself when things are going badly.” – Unknown
“The world needs strong men. Men who are not afraid to stand up and fight for what they believe in.” – Unknown
“Men are born to succeed, not to fail.” – Henry David Thoreau
“A man is not defined by his possessions, but by his actions.” – Unknown
“A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything.” – Malcolm X
“A man who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” – Albert Einstein
“A true man never gives up on himself or his dreams.” – Unknown
“A man’s worth is no greater than his ambitions.” – Marcus Aurelius
“A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.” – David Brinkley
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

please also sign this petition to get rid of dr Hudson 

https://www.change.org/p/remove-dr-hudson-from-swanson-middle-school-administration