Georgia, Massachusetts pass anti-bullying measures

This week, both the Georgia and Massachusetts State Senates unanimously approved legislation which substantially extends anti-bullying provisions in schools.

In Georgia, House Bill 927 does not provide enumerated categories for protection from bullying, but does provide for any student experiencing bullying, including LGBT students, the right to have that bullying stopped by administrators, covers all students, not just those in 6th to 12th grades, adds cyberbullying as a recognized form of bullying, and requires the Georgia Department of Education to draw up model anti-bullying policies.

Support for the legislation in the Georgia House and Senate arose after the tragic death of Jaheem Herrera. Jaheem was a 5th Grader in DeKalb County, Georgia, who committed suicide. He had been harassed by classmates for not being “masculine” enough. [SOURCE]

In addition, the Massachusetts measure was passed under similar conditions. Concern regarding safe schools and the need for a statewide anti-bullying measure increased following the deaths of 15-year-old Phoebe Prince and 11-year-old Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover, both Massachusetts students who committed suicide after reportedly being bullied.

“Bullying is not new,” Sen. Robert A. O’Leary said as he introduced the bill. “Bullying has been with us from time immemorial. But what has changed is that it appears to be more pervasive, more destructive.” [SOURCE]