Michigan Votes Forum

Introduced in the House on January 23, 2007, to require the Department of Education to develop and disseminate a model policy that prohibits harassment or bullying at school; and “strongly encourage” the boards of a school districts or charter schools to adopt the model policy, and to work with local law enforcement agencies and parents in its implementation

The vote was 66 in favor, 43 opposed and 1 not voting

(House Roll Call 78 at House Journal 31)

Click here to view bill details.

Come on.

There are allready laws in place! Enforce them! It's kind of like NAFTA some are enforced and some are not YOU LOOSE!!!!!!

MASB polled their members during the last session when this legislation was proposed and 85% of their membership has bullying polies in place. NEOLA of Michigan provides policies for 270 districts and 250 of their client districts have policies regarding bullying.

So what will they do, throw little boys & girls in the pokey? Or maybe their parents? Fines? Probation? More stupid legislation and waste of taxpayer dollars.

Good to have a process.

Rep. Sheen, having reserved the right to explain his protest against the passage of the bill, made the following statement: "Mr. Speaker and members of the House: I cannot support HBs 4162 & 4091 which are referred to as the bulling bills. First of all it creates protected groups, whichI believe is unconstitutional. It should not matter why or for what reason someone is being bullied, it should be dealt withand punished equally. Do we really want to label or identify a child by statute, thus attaching a stigma, which could be worse than the bullying itself? Secondly, I also think this would open the schools to all kinds of discrimination law suits. I understand the motive of this bill; however these policies belong in the hands of local school boards. This is basically a feel good bill which will not change anything, but could have damaging ramifications on the schools and the students."

Rep. Hoogendyk, having reserved the right to explain his protest against the passage of the bill, made the following statement: "Mr. Speaker and members of the House: please see explanation from house bill 4162"

Anonymous citizen asks what to do with students who violate this legislation. Should they be jailed? Should their parents be fined? Etc. the answer is Yes, Yes, Yes. If they insist on physically or mentally abusing another child, then the answer is yes to all of the above. Until bullies and emotional abusers are punished for their actions and removed from the schools to prevent further abuse, we will continue to read about student suicides and other desperate cries for help. The schools should be a place where all children can feel safe. Period.

someone that has been exposed to the swirlies.

It is time we have a part time House of Representatives and Senate. They have way to much time on their hands dealing with this type of legislation. This should be handled at the local level and with the parents Involvement. Representatives and Senators with respect I ask you, Who do you think you are?

it is extremely dangerous and irresponsible to use the fear tactic of lesser government intervention when it comes to the issue of verbal harassment in secondary schools. this form of harassment must be mandated for all schools and be uniform to ensure that students are protected from what has gone on for far too long, bullying. verbal harassment has almost always been excluded from anti-harassment policies and this has cost us untold sums of money and strife by the depression, isolation, truancy, drug abuse, and most certainly and well documented, suicide that occurs from bullying.

there are no laws in place that address verbal harassment. that is why the state did such a nobel thing. doesn't anyone remember being in school? it is traumatic and unreasonable that people feel so confident in making fun of other people. it's one of the greatest ironies existing in this "free" country that supposedly is a melting pot, a diverse nation...ha...all it is is a misguided nation lulled into complacency where we think of others as foreigners...god save me from your misguided followers!!

I agree, it should be in the hands of the local schools; however, they often have done nothing! By establishing a policy that MUST be followed, the schools can not ignore these threats, it makes them take responsibility and work with local law enforcement, if required. No child should be afraid to go to school. Unfortunately my family, as well as a close friend have experienced "today's bullying," physical attacks, verbal threats, as well as threats of gang attacks and death. As a matter of fact minor bullying led to a serious event, a child was put into a coma in our public school system because nobody wanted to take action. Bullying isn't minor or acceptable behavior, and this isn't the day of 1950's or 1960's bullying, today it is more serious! Once an event is brought to the schools attention, this policy makes the schools react, and sets documented guidlines for handling the bully and removing the bully from the school. Perhaps this will encourage the schools to be more proactive, before there is serious harm. Often parents of bullies do not take this serious, perhaps this will make them more aware of what is taking place. It's unfortunate that our morals must be enforced and monitored by government laws and regulations . . . if that isn't sad! But, if this saves a child from serious physical or emotional harm, I'm all for it!