N.J. weighs new bullying laws after Rutgers suicide
Monday, October 25, 2010
BY SUSAN K. LIVIO
http://www.northjersey.com/news/state/102510_NJ_lawmakers_want_to_toughen_anti-bullying_law.htmlTRENTON - Acknowledging that past anti-bullying laws failed to provide enough protection for kids and consequences for non-compliant school officials, lawmakers Monday introduced legislation that they hope would save the lives and childhoods of harassed students across New Jersey.
Lawmakers say the far-reaching bill would require all teachers, administrators and school board members to complete anti-bullying training. It would mandate superintendents report twice a year the number of bullying and harrassing incidents that occur to the school board, and to include a tally of them in the annual School Report Card.
The legislation called the "Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights" would specifically name harassment, bullying and intimidation as reasons for the first time would constitute "good cause" to suspend or expel a student.The legislation also demands public colleges and universities adopt an anti-bullying policy and include it in the code of conduct given to all students.