Christie Signs Tougher Law on Bullying in Schools
By RICHARD PÉREZ-PEÑA
Published: January 6, 2011
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/07/nyregion/07bully.html?_r=1New Jersey on Thursday enacted the nation's toughest law against bullying and harassment in schools, three and a half months after the suicide of a Rutgers University student drew national attention to the issue.
The law spells out a long list of requirements, including the appointment of specific people in each school and district to run antibullying programs; the investigation of any episodes starting within a day after they occur; and training for teachers, administrators and school board members. Superintendents must make public reports twice a year detailing any episodes in each school, and each school will receive a letter grade to be posted on its Web site.
The law, which goes into effect at the start of the next school year, lists harassment, intimidation or bullying as grounds for suspension or even expulsion from school. It applies to public schools, and portions of it apply to public colleges.
