Lawmakers want to improve anti-bullying laws
By Associated Press and KVAL NewsSALEM, Ore. — Nearly 10 years after Oregon passed a landmark anti-bullying law, the House education committee is calling for improvements that members say could further reduce harassment at school. At a Wednesday press conference, a group of students who had been bullied spoke about the importance of the legislation. They said that for some students, the bullying is so extreme it becomes a barrier to graduation. The legislation calls for making bullying policies readily available to the public — advocates say that the policies in just 70 of 200 public schools in Oregon are accessible. It also calls for school officials to designate a point person for students and parents to turn to. How local school districts handle bullying reports The Eugene School District policy specifically defines what makes up different kinds of bullying. It also lays out responsibilities for teachers and staff to report and stop bullying. As for tracking bullying, the policy mandates staff track bullying, and they must report it yearly to the school board. The Springfield School Board has a policy that says "hazing, harassment, intimidation, menacing or bullying by students, staff or third parties is strictly prohibited and shall not be tolerated." It also says students who are old enough could lose their driving privileges if they bully. The district currently uses a computer program to track bullying, according to Matt Coleman, the director of secondary education. It allows principals and their staff to track discipline problems. Both Eugene and Springfield have separate policies that address cyberbullying. (Eugene cyberbullying policy; Springfield cyberbulling policy) In Junction City, the district also uses computer software to track bullying. A district spokeswoman said they can analyze reports of bullying down to the hours they were reported. Compiled from wire and staff reports |
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