WWE announced today the launch of “Be a STAR,” a multi-platform, nationwide anti-bullying alliance, in conjunction with the National Education Association Health Information Network (NEA HIN), GLAAD, True Educator Inc., Ad Council, Island Def Jam Music Group, Close Up Foundation and others. 

The mission of “Be a STAR” – which stands for “Show Tolerance And Respect” – is to ensure a positive and equitable social environment for everyone regardless of age, race, religion or sexual orientation through grassroots efforts beginning with education and awareness. “Be a STAR” will promote positive methods of social interaction and encourage people to treat others as equals and with respect because everyone is a star in their own right. 

For its first initiative, the alliance will unveil a free anti-bullying curricula created by NEA HIN that will debut at an inaugural event this evening at The Washington Club in Washington, D.C. The teacher’s aide aligns with national education standards to complement curriculums, and consists of nine lesson plans that teachers can access at www.BeaSTARalliance.org. The lessons will focus on bullying, cyber-bullying and equality, and utilize an interdisciplinary teaching model across Social Studies, Language Arts and Health. The teaching aide complements the new WWE Studios and Samuel Goldwyn Films movie That’s What I Am starring Ed Harris, Chase Ellison, WWE Superstar Randy Orton and Amy Madigan. The new release is an anti-bullying, coming of age story that was a Centerpiece film at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and accepted at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

“WWE is honored and thrilled to partner with the National Education Association Health Information Network and our other partners, in an effort to change the way people interact and treat others,” said Stephanie McMahon, Executive Vice President, Creative Development and Operations, WWE. “Through the joint efforts of the ‘Be a STAR Alliance’ organizations, we hope to reach millions encouraging them to stop bullying and ‘Be a STAR.’”

“Bullying is unacceptable, but even more important – it is preventable. This film reminds us of what we can accomplish when students and adults stand up to bullying,” said Jerry Newberry, NEA HIN’s Executive Director. “We are thrilled to be involved with the ‘Be a STAR’ Alliance’s efforts and to work with organizations that share our vision for preventing bullying.”