Tempest Kayne Smith, at the age of twelve years old, committed suicide due to bullying and persecution. The behavior she was subjected to began when she was in the second grade and increased with intensity until Tempest could no longer dispel the torment through nonviolent reaction. She left written words indicating her decision.

Twelve year old Detroit, Michigan, schoolgirl Tempest Smith was continually harassed by her classmates, including bombardment with Christian hymns to ridicule her Wiccan beliefs.

Tempest Smith hung herself on February 20, 2001, with her own leopard-print scarf.

What is remembered, lives.

I remember Tempest Smith.
I remember that it's never right to make fun of someone's beliefs.
I remember that sticks and stones can break my bones, but names are
words of power that can wound the soul.
I remember that many mocked - and one died.

I remember Tempest Smith.
I remember that it takes all types to make a world.
I remember that nature likes biodiversity. This is true of beliefs and ideas as well.
I remember that I make a better witness to my own beliefs by simply living them, not belittling others.

I remember Tempest Smith.
And I remember that another person’s belief (or non-belief) is just as sincerely held as my own.
I remember to have the courage to say, "Hey, that's not right," when I see someone being ridiculed.
And the next time I am tempted to go along with the crowd and tease someone who is "different," I will remember Tempest Smith, and I will remember my pledge.

I Pledge