Anti-Bullying Measure Passes; Goes To Governor

By DAVID FISCHER Associated Press Writer

TALLAHASSEE, FL (AP) -- School districts would have to adopt policies against bullying and harassment under a bill that the governor says he anticipates signing. The Senate unanimously passed the measure on Wednesday that was named after Jeffrey Johnson, a Cape Coral boy who committed suicide in 2005 after being bullied. The bill had already passed in the House. The bill's passing was bittersweet for Debbie Johnston, who began advocating for the legislation after the death of her son.

"Now we've got the tools," Johnston said with tears in her eyes. "We can really change the culture."

Johnston said she wants to make sure that no child will ever have to stay home again, as her son did, because he or she is afraid of what's going to happen at school or on the bus. She said she's also glad that teachers will have more power to step in and keep children from being bullied.

The proposed law would prohibit the bullying or harassment of any public school student or employee during regular school hours or at school-sponsored events and activities. The bill also would prohibit bullying over schools' computer systems. School districts would be required to report all instances of bullying or harassment to appropriate law enforcement agencies and to notify the parents of both the bully and the victim.

The bill (HB 669) would require the state to adopt a model policy prohibiting bullying and harassment by October. Every school district in Florida would then have to adopt their own policies by December. Districts could lose money from the state if they don't comply.

The legislation specifically prohibits sexual, racial or religious harassment, but the bill's sponsor, Sen. Carey Baker, R-Eustis, said the intent of the bill is to prevent bullying for any reason. The bill has a broad definition of bullying and does not spell out the types of individuals protected, such as specifically prohibiting bullying based on sexual orientation. That had been a point of contention.

Johnston said she would like to see nationwide protection against bullying for students. She said she has already spoken to U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fla., about a federal bill.

Associated Press Writer Brent Kallestad in Tallahassee contributed to this report.

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