 A new movement to stand together and show support for those who have been bullied or have experienced hostile situations is spreading across Bemidji. Josh Peterson introduces us to Bemidji Respect. In recent days, adults and children around Bemidji have experienced incidents of hostility and harassment simply because of who they are. For a group of concerned citizens who felt something had to be done, they created Bemidji Respect. So what it gets down to then are community values, respect, diversity, working to understand things aren't perfect in a community, but we seek to grow and learn from one another. The Bemidji Respect group acknowledges Bemidji's full history, which they say has experienced racial, economic and other disparities and injustices, which is why this new group of concerned citizens says they can no longer ignore these issues. I think it's really important that we are respectful of everyone's experiences, negative and positive in the past and now, and that we don't glass it over as we're looking at ways to infuse really good values into our city of Bemidji. In Sunday's edition of the Bemidji Pioneer, Bemidji Respect will take out a full page ad listing businesses and organizations that stand by the cause. The hope is that those who are bullied see the ad and know they have support. I see this respect Bemidji as a campaign that anybody could get behind individuals, organizations, and to see that clear presence of how many of us are together, I think we'll send the right message so that we can move forward. This is only the beginning. Bemidji Respect is hoping to grow the message of acceptance and respect and improve the quality of life for everyone in the city. In Bemidji, I'm Josh Peterson, Lakeland News. To join the movement, we have a link on our website at lakelandnews.org. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.