Bullying in schools: What are lawmakers doing about it?

Posted 11/16/09: Out of 50 states, 40 have anti-bullying laws. New York is not one of those states.

In fact, a national watch-dog organization called Bully Police USA gives New York an "F" rating for its failure to pass any anti-bulling legislation.

But there have been repeated efforts to get something passed. The New York State Teachers Union (NYSUT) has been pushing for years for the enactment of the Dignity for all Students Act, which would require schools to develop clear anti-harassment policies among other things to stop bullying in schools.

Len Cutler of NYSUT says, “This would be so significant. It would establish anti-harassment and discrimination policies and it would bring attention to this once and for all, with real tough consequences for this behavior.”

The legislation spells out how students who disrupt the school day and are defined as violent will be suspended. Democratic Senator Neil Breslin is a co-sponsor of the bill.

“You're going to train teachers in what to look for," says Breslin. "You're going to have awareness classes for kids to tell them this isn’t a good thing to do; it isn’t being cool, insensitive. If we can get that message across and we can escape one or two dangerous situations because of it, it’s well worth it.”

Republican Senator Hugh Farley says he wants an anti-bulling law in place but thinks The Dignity for all Students Act focuses too much on sexual orientation. “My name is on another bill I am co-sponsoring with Senator Saland," he says. "It’s more comprehensive.”

About five years ago, at NYSUT’S urging, the state legislature did pass the SAVE legislation. It requires schools to have codes of conduct which would elevate certain crimes against teachers and staff and require training for teachers and staff.

Cutler says it was a good start, but it’s time to do more. “We’re not giving up on this.”

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

While a law is still pending, if you’re a parent, what can you do? You’ll find a list of tips and signs right here.

If you would like your voice heard about this topic, contact Marci Natale through her Facebook page you’ll find here.