Why New Jersey's Antibullying Law Should Be a Model for Other States

[JackBeck]

On Sept. 1, New Jersey's new antibullying law — billed as the nation's toughest — took effect. The law, of which co-sponsor Barbara Buono, the state's senate majority leader, called "a powerful message to every child in New Jersey," is an important step forward in combating the bullying of young people. However, even before its start date, the backlash was already underway. Critics say the law is too burdensome for teachers, too expensive for school districts and will spawn too many lawsuits. But here's why New Jersey should ignore its critics and press ahead — and other states should follow its lead.

The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights was enacted as the state was still reeling from the death of Tyler Clementi, an 18-year-old freshman at Rutgers University. Clementi committed suicide last September after his roommate allegedly took a video of his romantic encounter with a man and streamed it on the Internet.

The state responded by indicting Clementi's roommate on hate-crime charges, but it also did something more far-reaching: legislators drafted a law requiring its public schools to adopt extensive antibullying policies. Forty-seven states already have antibullying statutes on the books (New Jersey had a weaker law in place earlier), but the new law goes far beyond what most others require. Among other things, New Jersey schools must carry out extensive training of staff and students; appoint safety teams made up of parents, teachers and staff; and launch an investigation of every allegation of bullying within one day.

These particulars are important, but perhaps the most significant thing about the New Jersey law is the strong message it sends. Other states' laws have similar aims, but lack the same rigorous oversight and quick response mechanisms that New Jersey is putting in place. The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights unambiguously puts the state, school officials and law enforcement on the side of the victims — and it puts bullies on notice.

Read more: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2091994,00.html#ixzz1XCJMJbqT

[hlthe2b]

1. So does it put NJ's Governor on notice?

Ironic isn't it that NJ has one of the worst bullies as Governor, yet passes such a model statute. Maybe he'll take the time to read it....:shrug:

[JackBeck]

3. He's dragging his feet when it comes to issuing guidelines.

Same as he did with the medical marijuana bill that went into effect right before he became governor.

I've met with him on a couple of occasions and he's quite different one-on-one. It's disarming, and probably by design, and I still can't stand his pompous bullying of our female officials, but if his administration refuses to do it's part on issuing guidelines, than he will have lived up to his public persona.

[hlthe2b]

6. So, he is disarming to men....

but bullying to women... Gee, I thought you were going to convince me he wasn't so bad. :shrug:

[JackBeck]

8. To clarify:

It was disarming, for me, to walk into his office while I was lobbying him to sign this legislation and see him act the exact opposite of what I was expecting. I still can't stand the man. Plus, his administration still hasn't come through with delivering from their end the guidelines needed to clarify the legislation.

He has a known history of bullying female, Democratic officials. How he treats the women in his own party, I haven't a clue. But if anyone followed his posture in the lead up to Irene, he continued his insulting treatment of the people of New Jersey by denigrating them in front of a national audience. Some people like the abuse he doles out. I would not be one of them. But I'm quite excited by the prospect of Barbara Buono's rumored gubernatorial challenge in 2013.

[JustAnotherGen]

2. I'm thrilled

My older sister lives up in Dover and my younger niece started school today. She was bullied horribly last year. Anytime she defended herself she got in trouble - the bully went free. Sister has it printed off and ready to go in case they put my niece back in with the bully this year.

[JackBeck]

5. Garden State Equality has established an anti-bullying hotline.

To report a bullying incident, call our Anti-Bullying Hotline at 1-877-NJBULLY or text NJBULLY to 66746.

If your niece encounters any more problems, please tell her to contact us and we will help.

[JustAnotherGen]

7. Thanks

I'll speak with my sister this evening! She really ran into problems with the school on this one last year.

[JackBeck]

9. Textbook example of why this legislation was necessary.

I can't tell you how many times I've heard the same story of administrators/teachers/counselors, etc. turning a blind eye to accusations of bullying, in turn making the victim and their parent(s) feel completely helpless. It breaks my heart to hear that your niece had to suffer such an injustice. The new legislation plugs the wholes left in the previous anti-bullying law. Let's hope other states follow our lead.

:grouphug:

[no_hypocrisy]

4. I took a seminar with New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education a few weeks back.

that explained this new law.

Part of the law mandates that ANYONE who enters the schools and witnesses bullying has to report it. A substitute teacher, a parent volunteer, the UPS guy, etc. All personnel have different duties but it still comes down to the school letting bullies and their parents understand that children will no longer be victimized and the bullies' actions and words will be subject to accountability. It isn't about punishment as much as it is about accountability and the desire to change the system. A child cannot learn is s/he is afraid to even go to the restroom because of fear of being harassed and victimized.

[JackBeck]

10. Exactly.

It holds the adults accountable if they do not say something if they witness bullying. It also empowers any bullied student to stand-up for themselves, since the adults have to report any complaint.