It's Down to the Wire on the SVPA! It's down to the wire to show support for the School Violence Prevention Act before the House vote! Opponents of equal rights are contacting their legislators in droves, so it's especially important that you speak up to support school safety. Please act now to urge your representative to vote for Senate Bill 526! Sample Letter for Campaign Subject: Another Constituent for SB526, the School Violence Prevention Act Dear [ Decision Maker ] , As your constituent, I hope that you will vote for SB526, the School Violence Prevention Act. This bill is about making sure all children have a safe place to learn, free of harassment and bullying, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Please support students in our local schools by voting "yes" on SB526. Sincerely,

Campaign Launched: June 03, 2009

Background Information

Take action to stop bullying and harassment in our schools!

Here are some key reasons to support the School Violence Prevention Act.

• Students have a right to a sound, basic education, but too often bullying and harassment interfere with that right.
• Bullying that goes unaddressed also contributes to more severe violence, like school shootings. A study by the U.S. Secret Service indicates that a history of bullying was a factor in three-quarters of school shootings in recent years.
• Because they feel unsafe, victimized youth are pushed out of schools and into high-risk behavior. These youth are more likely to skip school, drop out, engage in substance abuse, or worse.
• Every student deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Physical appearance, sexual orientation, and gender identity are the three most frequent reasons for bullying and harassment in schools, yet these types of bullying are often overlooked by school personnel.
• This bill protects ALL students from bullying, and its inclusion of enumerated categories will provide clear direction to teachers, administrators, and students about the scope of the law. Teachers want clear policies that will give them the backing they need to address problems in the classroom and on the playground.
• While harassment of any kind is unacceptable and should be dealt with quickly, firmly, and with appropriate consequences and remedies, certain groups of people have suffered systematic institutional prejudice, and discrimination and as a result are at a disproportionate risk of being the target of harassment and violence.