Bullying! Free to do or say whatever we want? Words have consequences. Update
We’ve all heard the phrase “nanny-state” referenced by those who think everyone should exercise their own personal responsibility and be free to do or say whatever he or she wants.
Governor Chris Christie (R ) New Jersey, signed what may be the toughest anti-bullying laws in the nation after Rutgers student, Tyler Clementi, took his own life. Evidently Christie believes we are a nation of laws.
www.washingtontimes.com
State Sen. Barbara Buono, a Democrat from Metuchen and one of the sponsors of the new law, said that “New Jersey is sending a powerful message to every child that school will be a safe place for them to learn and grow, not a place for them to dread.
New Jersey joined a wave of states in 2002 that adopted anti-bullying laws in the aftermath of the Columbine school shootings. Lawmakers said the laws didn’t offer enough protections for those who are persistently bullied.
The new laws require anti-bullying programs and policies in public schools that are not just encouraged, but mandated. Now, schools with these laws will be required to have anti-bullying specialists and report incidents to the state.
newyork.cbslocal.com
States with anti-bullying laws include:
California Cal. Ed Code § 35294.2 (2001)
Colorado Colo. Public Act No. 02-119 (2002)
Connecticut Ct. Public Act No. 02-119 (2002)
Georgia Ga. Code Ann. § 20-2-751.4 (2001)
Illinois ILCS § 105 5/10-20.14
Louisiana La. R.S. 17 § 416.13 (2001)
New Hampshire N.H. RSA 193-F (2000)
New Jersey N.J.S.A. 18A:37-13-18 (2002)
New York NY CLS Educ § 2801-a (2002)
Oklahoma Ok Stat. 70 § 24-100.2 (2002)
Oregon Ore. Laws 617 (2001)
Rhode Island R.I. Gen, Laws § 16-21-24 (2001)
Vermont V.S.A. 16 § 565 (2001)
Washington RCW 28A.300.285 (2002)
West Virginia W.Va. Code Ann. § 18-2C-1 (2001)
www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov
Why doesn’t Minnesota have anti-bullying laws?
The 2009 Anti-bullying law added sexual orientation and physical appearance. Sexual orientation is addressed by the human rights law but not laws affecting bullying. Though statistics show 90% of LGBT students face bullying, 93% of our schools don’t include sexual orientation or gender identity and expression in anti-harassment policies.
www.scienceblogs.com
Eden Prairie’s State Legislators were split on the All Anti-Bullying Bill in 2009.
Eden Prairie’s Senator Hann was opposed to the Safe Schools For All Anti-Bullying Bill in the MN Senate in 2009 and voted against it.
www.votesmart.org
In 2009, Jenifer Loon voted yes in support of SF971-School Anti-Bullying Policy Requirements in the House.
www.votesmart.org
www.minnesotaindependent.com
The anti-bullying bill was dropped from the 2010 Special Session. Senator Scott Dibble, (D) MPLS and Jim Davnie, (D) MPLS, co-sponsors of the bill, said suicide not politics is motivating the legislation. The bill is a priority for Democrats.
www.theuptake.org
|
