The N.C. Senate passed a strong and sensible anti-bullying bill today. The Senate should give final approval and the N.C. House should do the same.
The bill includes gender identity and sexual orientation as characteristics that motivates bullying and that's upset some people. But the language is no endorsement of a particular lifestyle or ideology. It is simply an acknowledgement that specific kinds of bullying and harassment are a huge problem.
Nationally, at least three suicides this year, two involving 11-year-olds, have occurred because of anti-gay taunts and bullying. General policies haven't provided adequate protection for targets of anti-gay slurs and harassment. Studies show detailed policies and laws are taken more seriously, and are more effective.
Contrary to what some opponents contend this legislation does not advance special protections for gay people. Nor would it be a precursor or mandate for same-sex marriage, which a group of N.C. Catholic bishops allege it has been in other states. In Massachusetts, for instance, where same sex marriage was legalized in 2004, lawmakers have yet to approve a school anti-bullying law. And the bill the N.C. senate approved specifies that “nothing in this act shall be construed to create any classification, protected class, suspect category, or preference beyond those existing in present statute or case law.”
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board adopted a strong anti-bullying policy last year. At least seven states have adopted strong, detailed anti-bullying laws.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
School bullies beware!
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3 comments:
Give me a break! Kids nowadays need to get some thick skin. This is nothing more than making our country more pussified!!!!!
We need females to stay puzzified. As far as the males this makes no difference. Studies show 50-75% of all adult black males while downlow are butch not fem. Then you have your girlyboys. Nothing has changed. Bullying is wrong espec at school.Why pick on wussies? Make them mad and they may kick your butt. This is a not a bad law.
Anon. 9:44 p.m.: I'd bet my bank account that your children, if you have them, are/were bullies. The apple generally doesn't fall far from the tree.
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