From the March 22 issue of Q-Notes, the leading LGBT news source of the Carolinas:

Charlotte school board passes anti-bullying policy
LGBT students offered protection after heated debate
by Matt Comer . Q-Notes staff

CHARLOTTE — After more than two hours of public comment and an hour of heated debate, the Charlotte-Mecklenberg Board of Education passed by a vote of 6-3 an anti-bullying and harassment measure including protections for LGBT students.

A packed auditorium at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center heard more than 40 citizens and students speak out on the policy. The overwhelming majority were in favor of adopting the new guideline for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS).

Arcena Todd, a senior at Berry Academy, told Q-Notes that bullying is a daily occurrence at her school. “This policy will give teachers the tools they need to stop the bullying and it will raise awareness. People aren’t aware of these issues and this is going to help them learn and grow.” Read the rest at Q-Notes Online…

City honors gay ‘Neighborhood Leader’
Tim Griffin awarded for work in Morningside/Plaza Midwood
by Will Billings . Contributing Writer

CHARLOTTE — Openly gay community leader Tim Griffin was honored with the 2008 Neighborhood Leader Award on Mar. 8. The award was presented by the City of Charlotte’s Neighborhood Development department at its 13th Annual Neighborhood Symposium.

Griffin, president of the Morningside Neighborhood Association, has devoted countless hours toward the revitalization of the Morningside neighborhood in the vicinity of Central Avenue, east of Uptown. The bohemian area is popular with gay and lesbian Charlotteans, artists and musicians.

Griffin and his partner Neil have helped organize the association into a strong and vibrant influence in the Plaza Midwood and Morningside areas. They have also helped create various sub-organizations to serve the interests of the neighborhood’s varied population, such as one group for mothers and children. Read the rest at Q-Notes Online…