A congresswoman out of California introduced the Safe Schools Improvement Act during the week of April 11, the measure is meant to combat bullying. The Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA) would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to require schools and districts receiving federal funds to adopt codes of conduct specifically prohibiting bullying and harassment, the bill would also require schools to collect data on incidents of bullying. The SSIA would also require that states report data on bullying and harassment to the Department of Education. Additionally, the SSIA would require that school districts establish and monitor performance indicators for the prevention of bullying and would have to inform parents of who in the district is designated to deal with reports of bullying.
Bullying is an issue that we are seeing frequently in our office. Students have required hospitalization for the physical and mental health ramifications of bullying. It is an issue that schools are often ill-equipped or unwilling to handle. With the reason string of bullying-induced suicides this is a vital issue. The bullying seems to be occurring based on real or perceived differences including a disability. The SSIA would provide accountability for the schools who are often not doing enough to stem the tide of bullying.