COEUR d'ALENE - An internationally recognized expert on combating discrimination and bullying will be speaking at the Kroc Center in Coeur d'Alene on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Stephen Wessler served as an assistant attorney general in Maine and then established and served as the director of the Center for Preventing Hate. In Maine, Wessler developed the "Unity Project," which works to find effective ways to combat bullying and creating an environment where every child is safe.

This year Wessler and the "Unity Project" are working in the Coeur d'Alene School District.

"We are very fortunate to be able to partner with our co-sponsors along with the 271 Board of Trustees, administrators, faculty, staff and public to address the issue of bullying in our schools," said Christie Wood, president of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations Board of Directors.

Wessler's speech, entitled "Bias, Harassment, Bullying, Discrimination and Violence in U.S. Schools: The Impact on Children and a Path to Prevention," is free to the public.