LANSING –
In the wake of action by the Florida legislature, the Michigan's Safe Schools Coalition called on Michigan's Senate on May 9 to follow Florida's lead and pass a long-stalled anti-bullying measure that would protect children from harassment and ensure schools are safe places to learn. The measure is called "Matt's Safe School Law," named after Matt Epling, an East Lansing eighth-grader who took his own life in 2002 after a severe hazing incident. He was 14 years old.
"We need action now for the sake of Michigan's kids," said Kevin Epling, Matt's father and a member of Bully Police USA. "We have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for our children to learn in and that extends beyond the classroom. Bullying is not just a rite of passage; it is a real and serious problem that destroys lives. My family knows firsthand about the tragic consequences of bullying. We must act now and call on our elected leaders to do their part to protect all Michigan's children. Every day the legislature delays action, more of our kids are put at risk."
Florida's new law, called the "Jeffrey Johnson Stand Up for All Students Act," requires school districts to adopt tough new anti-bullying policies and specifies the policies must address "cyber bullying" – taunts and harassing messages delivered via the Internet, cell phone or other technology.
School districts could lose money if they don't comply with the law, which also requires schools to quickly investigate reports of bullying, provide counseling to bullies and their victims and promptly report incidents of bullying to parents and law enforcement, where appropriate. Florida Gov. Charlie Christ is expected to sign the bill.
Federal statistics from 2005 showed that nearly one in three students ages 12 to 18 reported being bullied.
"Studies show that students feel safer when they know that schools have clearly defined anti-bullying policies, and that's why 'Matt's Safe School Law' is crucial," Epling said.
Matt's Safe School Law passed the House in 2007 and awaits action in the Senate. The legislation requires every school district in Michigan to adopt anti-bullying policies within six months of passage.
Concerned citizens are urged to contact their legislator by going to http://www.mistopbullying.com.
Michigan Senate urged to fight bullying
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