Bully bill exception is unconscionable, must not become law (letter)

By letter writers  | Published: Sunday, November 13, 2011, 11:14 AM

http://www.mlive.com/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2011/11/bully_bill_exception_is_uncons.html


Chronicle illustration/Linda DeVoogd

On Nov. 2, the state Senate voted to pass an anti-bullying bill called "Matt's Safe Schools Law."

By now, reaction to this action has reached the national media (Time magazine). As passed, this legislation is an empty shell. When asked about her vote, Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker asserted that this bill protects all children. We believe it does no such thing.

Michigan is one of six states lacking a comprehensive state law prohibiting hate crimes or bullying. A comprehensive law would, among other things, enumerate categories protected by the law, one of which would be students who identify as or are perceived to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.