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The State Assembly Committee on Education Tuesday (February 12, 2008) held a public hearing on a bill designed to reduce bullying in schools. The bill – which requires school boards to adopt anti-bullying policies and to annually distribute the policies to students and their parents or guardians – was approved by the State Senate in November.
WEAC has sought legislation to implement anti-bullying curriculum in schools as well as programs to promote peer mediation, both of which have been part of WEAC’s Legislative Agenda since 2000.
"A working classroom is one in which students are safe and healthy," WEAC said in a statement of support for Sentate Bill 42.
"The National Education Association has reported that bullying behavior is a major concern of schools throughout the United States. WEAC believes that anti-bullying programs should be implemented in every school in Wisconsin."
Instruction in bullying prevention reaps important benefits, including:
"Wisconsin is recognized nationally for its safe schools," WEAC testified. "Schools and communities, however, need to use comprehensive approaches including anti-bullying instruction to keep schools, students, and school staff safe."
Several other supporters of the legislation also testified at the Assembly hearing.
Posted November 8, 2007; Updated February 13, 2008