D.C. council, LGBT groups consider bullying bill
November 24, 2010 - 03:30 PM
By Amanda Hess
http://www.tbd.com/blogs/amanda-hess/2010/11/d-c-council-considers-bullying-bill-5099.htmlOn Monday, the D.C. Council will consider a new bill to fight bullying in District schools. The "Bullying Prevention Act of 2010" [PDF] would develop policies for "prohibiting bullying, harassment, and intimidation in the District of Columbia Public Schools, including any "intentional conduct, including verbal, physical or written conduct, or an intentional electronic communication" that "creates a hostile environment" for a student.
The bill specifically calls out any bullying based on protected classes under the D.C. Human Rights Act, including "actual or perceived race, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ancestry, physical attributes, socioeconomic status, familial status, or physical or mental disability."With national action coalescing against the bullying of gay and transgender adolescents, the "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" portion of that list are garnering increased attention. LGBT groups are particularly encouraged by the legislation, but they still have a couple of suggestions for improvement.
