Today's the Day! The School Violence Prevention Act is scheduled for votes in the House on Monday and Tuesday, 6/22-23. This is it. Act now and urge your representative to vote for Senate Bill 526! Sample Letter for Campaign Subject: Vote for SB 526 Dear [ Decision Maker ] , I understand that SB 526, the School Violence Prevention Act, is up for a vote today. I've seen the impact bullying has on young people. This bill will make a real difference in making our kids safer. I urge you to vote for SB 526. Those who oppose this bill are making a lot of claims about it. The fact is, this is about making all children safer--nothing more, nothing less. Sincerely,

Campaign Launched: June 22, 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.