Safe Schools Bill Moves to Senate

Michigan has no law clearly banning bullying. Without clearly spelled out policies on this issue, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth are left out and left behind. We need a statewide law demanding that every school district in Michigan pass a policy to curb bullying, including anti-GLBT bullying.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Support Safe Schools Bill with Enumeration!

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

Please vote yes on House Bills 4162 and 4091 with Enumeration. Michigan must take a stand and suport meaningful legislation that will measurably improve the school climate for at risk youth.

Bullying leads to truancy, depression, school violence, suicide and other behaviors that compromise a child's right to safe and equal education. I hope that you will stand up today and say that MIchigan can do better. We need comprehensive anti-bullying legislation that protects all youth. Protecting Michigan's children should be an obvious public policy priority for this legislature. You have the power to do what is right for our children.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
March 28, 2007

Background Information

Currently, Michigan law mandates that students go to school for 180 days, but it doesn't mandate that they are safe. It is a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution to not provide a safe educational experience for minority youth. Current anti-bullying policies do not treat anti-minority bullying the same as "normal" bullying and they need to. Persistent and pervasive bullying against minorities is different and must be addressed.

Mandating that every school district pass a clear policy against this type of bullying is necessary. The policies must be mandated and they must enumerate categories like race, religion, weight, and sexual orientation. Without doing so they will not be as effective. If we are serious about protecting children, we must write into law what must be done. Michigan is a leader in education so we should be a leader in anti-bullying policies. Help us pass this policy today.