Minnesota House committee backs an Anti-Bullying bill for schools
By: Morgan Olson
The House Education Policy Committee approves a bill that will require all school districts to create their own bullying prevention policies.
The bill will give the state Department of Education $1 million in state funds to help schools convey those policies.
Supporters of the bill include:
- Educators
- Pediatricians
- Gay rights activists
- Advocates for the disabled
- Victims of bullying
The bill will require school districts to work with students and parents on the bullying prevention policies.
Schools will have to investigate complaints of bullying and keep detailed records of them.
Other Lawmakers
Some Republican lawmakers say the policies will just mean more rules without any guarantee of reducing bullying.
Conservative activists say they worry that such policies could impose values and beliefs, especially concerning homosexuality and family structure, which some parents disagree with.
Private schools that accept state funds will also have to obey the law.
Morgan A. Olson 