Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Kentucky Governor Signs Anti-Bullying Bill.
Gov. Steve Beshear today signed House Bill 91, often referred to as “The Golden Rule Act.” The measure is aimed at protecting Kentucky’s students by requiring “bullying” policies in the state’s public schools.
“This legislation hits home for many children, teens and their parents,” said Gov. Beshear. “By prohibiting bullying and harassment among students, The Golden Rule Act will help protect Kentucky’s most valuable resource, our children.”
The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Mike Cherry (D-Princeton), prohibits bullying, harassment and other forms of intimidation--including cyber-bullying via the Internet among students. Those who break the code of acceptable behavior could face suspension, expulsion or other disciplinary action. School districts also will be required to put procedures in place to handle reports of such behavior.
Rep. Cherry has been pushing for the legislation for several years.
“This day has been a long time coming,” Rep. Cherry said, “and we all owe a big thanks to the many groups who helped support this bill that will help protect our students and keep them focused on the education process.”
HB 91 also includes provisions that require school districts to provide training to teachers and others who work directly with students, if funds are available, and include information on both the code of acceptable behavior and the Golden Rule in district employee training manuals.
“This legislation hits home for many children, teens and their parents,” said Gov. Beshear. “By prohibiting bullying and harassment among students, The Golden Rule Act will help protect Kentucky’s most valuable resource, our children.”
The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Mike Cherry (D-Princeton), prohibits bullying, harassment and other forms of intimidation--including cyber-bullying via the Internet among students. Those who break the code of acceptable behavior could face suspension, expulsion or other disciplinary action. School districts also will be required to put procedures in place to handle reports of such behavior.
Rep. Cherry has been pushing for the legislation for several years.
“This day has been a long time coming,” Rep. Cherry said, “and we all owe a big thanks to the many groups who helped support this bill that will help protect our students and keep them focused on the education process.”
HB 91 also includes provisions that require school districts to provide training to teachers and others who work directly with students, if funds are available, and include information on both the code of acceptable behavior and the Golden Rule in district employee training manuals.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 2:54 PM 
