Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to crack down on bullying in
Illinois. The bill will
help protect Illinois students from bullying both inside and outside the
classroom.
“Intimidation and fear have no place
in Illinois’ schools,” Governor Quinn said. “Every student in Illinois deserves
to go to a school where they feel comfortable and safe. This new law is for all
students who have been bullied but didn’t know where to turn. Our schools will
now set comprehensive anti-bullying standards for all districts so we can help
students succeed inside and outside the classroom.”
House Bill 5707, sponsored by State
Representative Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) and State Senator Heather Steans
(D-Chicago), requires all public schools to develop and implement an
anti-bullying policy. The policy must include a definition of bullying,
procedures for the reporting of bullying, parental notification, the
investigation of reports of bullying and actions that may be taken to address
bullying. The new law is effective immediately.
“I heard from parents all over the
state whose kids had been bullied and they had gotten no support from schools,”
Representative Cassidy said. “It’s clear we were not doing enough, and this new
law is a major step in the right direction.”
“Schools must give more than lip
service to protecting kids. Learning can’t take place in an environment where
students are not taught and expected to treat one another with respect,” Senator
Steans said. “Students need to know where to go for help when they are bullied,
and they need assurance that adults at school will support them and work to
resolve the issue.”
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