Anti-Bullying Bill Awaits Gov. Snyder's Signature

An anti-bully bill that originally drew criticism for not going far enough to protect children in Michigan will now go to Gov. Rick Snyder for consideration.

A House version of the proposed law, which requires all school districts to create a policy, passed the state Senate today by a vote of 35-2.

A previous Senate version had drawn criticism because it allowed an exception for bullies who have "a sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction." It also didn't clearly protect students who could be bullied because of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Earlier this month State Rep. Mark Ouimet, R-Scio Township, said HB-4163, which did not include the controversial language, was an improvement and the best way to truly protect children.

"Schools should have a zero tolerance for bullying, and special carve-outs are not necessary and potentially damaging," Ouimet said. "The House bill protects all students, no matter what type of bullying is taking place."

The  will study its current anti-bullying policies to determine what, if any, adjustments need to be made if Gov. Snyder signs the bill into law, Communications Supervisor Shira Good wrote in an e-mail to Berkley Patch on Tuesday. 

The Code of Conduct posted on the district's website includes the following guidelines for student behavior:

• Students have the responsibility to show respect for the rights and dignity of other students. For example, students must refrain from name-calling, fighting, harassment, bullying or engaging in deliberate attempts to embarrass or harm another student.
• Students are not to engage in slanderous, libelous, obscene or personal attacks on individuals or groups, defamation of character, commercial solicitations, or the distribution of materials of a racial, ethnic, sexual or religious nature that are likely to result in disruption, nor materials that otherwise endanger the health and safety of people or threaten to disrupt the educational process.
• Students are prohibited from engaging in cyber-bullying. Cyberbullying
  is defined as intimidation or assaults towards a student, teacher, district
  employee, volunteer, contractor or other school personnel through electronic means.

"We take bullying very seriously in our district and we always have," Good wrote. "We have anti-bullying programs, staff to support students, and administrators who respond quickly to any reports of bullying. Our district has always been one to celebrate diversity and bring students together."

State Superintendent Mike Flanagan said in a statement Tuesday that he is pleased the Senate reconsidered its position and passed the bill, without amendment.

“The protection of our children from physical and emotional harm is a moral obligation and responsibility of everyone," according to the statement.