Clarifies policy analysis and development under "Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act"; strengthens investigations; amends definition of harassment, intimidation, and bullying; and allows anti-bullying specialists to receive remuneration.
Impact
A crucial part of A377 is the requirement for school boards to create a School Safety Committee tasked with overseeing the implementation of harassment, intimidation, and bullying policies and ensuring compliance with existing law. The bill supports the appointment of anti-bullying specialists who will be eligible for a stipend, potentially enhancing their commitment and effectiveness in tackling bullying in schools. Furthermore, the bill allows school districts to seek reimbursement from the Department of Education if the stipend presents a financial burden on the district, making financial considerations manageable.
Summary
Bill A377 seeks to amend New Jersey's existing 'Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act' by clarifying and expanding the definitions of harassment, intimidation, and bullying. This bill emphasizes the importance of addressing such behaviors specifically among students and aims to enhance the frameworks that schools utilize to develop their anti-bullying policies. A377 calls for school districts to establish detailed guidance on their policies and develop a Responsible Use Policy pertaining to the use of the Internet by students.
Contention
While proponents argue that A377 enhances protections for students and aids schools in effectively combating bullying, some may see it as bureaucratic overreach, imposing additional requirements on local school districts. There could be concern regarding the adequacy of funding to support the stipends for anti-bullying specialists and whether the new policies will translate into meaningful, on-the-ground changes in how schools deal with harassment and bullying.
Carry Over
Clarifies policy analysis and development under "Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act"; strengthens investigations; amends definition of harassment, intimidation, and bullying; and allows anti-bullying specialists to receive remuneration.
Clarifies policy analysis and development under "Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act"; strengthens investigations; amends definition of harassment, intimidation, and bullying; and allows anti-bullying specialists to receive remuneration.
Amends public school laws on harassment, intimidation, and bullying to apply to certain acts against teachers and staff members; revises definition of "harassment, intimidation, or bullying" in "Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act."
Broadens definition of "harassment, intimidation or bullying" to include hazing; requires inclusion of power differential in anti-bullying policy; directs DOE to revise guidance document and model policy.
Requires school safety teams to include coaches; broadens definition of "harassment, intimidation or bullying" to include hazing; requires coaches and certain advisors to complete training on anti-bullying policy.
Requires development of guidance and training to address social media in harassment, intimidation, and bullying in schools; revises student learning standards to include instruction on social media in school bullying.
Establishes "The CAMPUS Act: Combating Antisemitism to Mitigate Prejudice in Universities and Schools"; addresses instruction on antisemitism and antisemitic harassment, intimidation, and bullying in public schools.