Community Support and Solidarity: Should Camila get a teacher or stand by Leo?

By Frederick DouglassRelationships & Social Skills2 min readGrade 7.3
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

In a school, when a student is being bullied, their friends come together to support them and stand up against the bully, demonstrating the strength of community and friendship.

The Choice

Should Camila get a teacher or stand by Leo?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades K-2
Reading Level
Level 7.3
Word Count
296 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Camila and Zoë were playing in the school playground when they noticed a group of older kids teasing their friend, Leo, who was sitting alone on the swing. Leo looked upset and was trying to ignore the bullies, but they kept calling him names. Camila felt a knot in her stomach because she knew it wasn't right to let Leo face this alone. She remembered how important it was to stand up for friends and support them, especially when they were in trouble. Camila thought about two options: she could either run to get a teacher to help Leo or she could gather her courage and, along with Zoë, stand by Leo to show the bullies that he was not alone. Camila What should they do?

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Loyalty
vs
Community

Consider how these values might conflict or complement each other in this situation.

Your Options

A

Get a teacher for help.

B

Stand by Leo with Zoë.

Questions for Reflection

Take a moment to consider these questions. There are no "right" answers – the goal is to explore different perspectives and develop your own reasoning.

  1. 1

    What would you do, and why?

  2. 2

    Why is it important to help friends in need?

  3. 3

    How do you think Leo would feel if Camila stood by him?

  4. 4

    How might Frederick Douglass advise Camila in this situation?

  5. 5

    Can you recall a time in your own life when you faced a somewhat similar choice or feeling? What did you do?

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Philosophical Perspective

Insights from Frederick Douglass

Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.

Related Topics

friendship
standing-up-for-others
community
Portrait of Frederick Douglass, a distinguished African American man with a beard and intense gaze, embodying dignity and intellect.

Frederick Douglassc. 1818-1895

Born into slavery, Frederick Douglass (c. 1818-1895) became a prominent American abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. His powerful autobiographies and speeches exposed the horrors of slavery and advocated for emancipation and equal rights for all, i…

Abolitionism
American Philosophy
Civil Rights Advocacy
Explore how Frederick Douglass informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
Learn more about Frederick Douglass or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

Community Support and Solidarity — 5-10 minutes

Learning objectives:

  • -Identify the core ethical tension
  • -Make a quick, reasoned choice

Discussion prompts:

  • 1.Which option did you choose, and why?
  • 2.What would you give up with each choice?
participation
Standard15 min

Community Support and Solidarity — 15-20 minutes

Learning objectives:

  • -Identify competing values
  • -Articulate trade-offs

Discussion prompts:

  • 1.What would you lose by choosing each option?
  • 2.Is there a third path?
participation