To the Editor:

I am writing an open letter to Riley Gohlke-Schermer.

Dear Riley:

First, I’m sorry this letter took so long to write. I read the article featuring you on June 2. I cannot tell you how impressed I am with you and the plight you face every day at the hands of contemporaries and people in general.

Teasing is often part of growing up. But, as you have experienced, it isn’t always as innocuous as the word suggests. Words can cause pain.

Bullying can manifest itself verbally (making threats, name-calling), psychologically, (spreading rumors), or physically (hitting, pushing, taking a child’s possessions). Bullying is generally directed at someone who is perceived as physically weaker than the perpetrator.

I’ve been on this Earth for a fair amount of time and can fully understand how cruel and insensitive people can be to individuals they don’t relate to or just don’t understand. It is not right and it should not happen but unfortunately it does.

In my day, we would deal with a bully or harasser by punching them squarely in the nose even if we lost the fight. But as you know times have changed and that is no longer acceptable behavior.

I represent men and women of different races, ages, sexes, and sexual orientation. And I want you to understand and fully appreciate the fact that no one, no matter who they are, has the right to make you feel less than what you are.

You are special and unique and have so much to offer. You have a good and gentle heart.

I can readily see that your parents have done a wonderful job in making you the person you are. So stay strong and committed to educating others about the plights that you have faced and may face in the future. Walk away if you can but don’t be afraid to fight injustice when you have to.

There was an old-time movie, which is a classic. It was called “The Bells of Saint Marys.” There was a priest named Father Chuck O’Malley who used to say “...and if you ever need anything, no matter what it is or wherever you happen to be, dial O for O’Malley.” I would say the same to you: If you ever need anything, no matter what it is or wherever you happen to be — dial me — you have a friend here.

Stephen G. DeNigris, Esq.

Guilderland