“The school’s response was ‘Boys will be boys’,” he said. “It took me two years to say that I’ve seen enough of it happening to other people, to speak up and organize an effort.”

The nine-year effort starting to curb bullying in Michigan’s schools earned Triplett the Hero of Humanity award presented to him Sunday by the Greater Lansing’s United Nations Association, or GLUNA, chapter in partnership with the Art of Living Foundation. Tuesday was the International Day of Peace, which coincides with the opening of the general assembly of the United Nations.

The Hero of Humanity award is designed to honor local community members for their efforts promoting peace in the area, GLUNA program coordinator Deanna Richeson said. Triplett was chosen because his anti-bullying cause is an issue affecting local families and children, she said.

“What Nathan’s work represents is something so much closer to home; something that happens to us or our children everyday and often times goes unnoticed,” Richeson said. “It’s just critical that we pay attention to those instances of conflict in our everyday lives.”

The award also was presented to Yoko Koizumi, a Mid-Michigan resident who grew up near the site of the 1945 bombing of Nagasaki, Japan. She now promotes a documentary aimed at healing U.S.-Japan relations, Richeson said.

Councilmember Kevin Beard said Triplett takes on a number of causes in the community.

“For him to be recognized for his efforts in this way is tremendous (and) it speaks volumes for his character, and I congratulate him,” Beard said.

Triplett said he worked with State Sen. Glenn Anderson, D-Westland, on legislation to mandate anti-bullying policies in Michigan’s schools. The bill is in the Senate Education Committee, Triplett said.

Triplett was an intern with Anderson during college and seized the opportunity to forward his cause, Triplett said. The “Matt’s Safe School Law,” named after an East Lansing student who committed suicide after being bullied, died at the end of the legislative session because of inaction by the houses, he said.

“We’re going to continue pressing for it to happen,” Anderson said. “I’m hopeful that we will have an opportunity to vote on this before the end of the year and address this problem.”

Triplett said he hopes the bill, along with his other efforts, will change how students experience school.

“I’m proud of the work I’ve done but I’m not sure I would call it heroic,” Triplett said. “It’s just a person taking on issue and trying to resolve it.”