Oregon lawmakers
approved a bill on Wednesday that would strengthen existing
laws against bullying in schools. The proposal would mandate
schools across the state to create clear policies to forbid
bullying and penalize offenders.
The current law has
been on the books since 2001, but more than 40% of Oregon
eighth-graders still say they have been subject to
name-calling, bullying, and other harassment, according to the
Oregonian
.
"My phone has been
ringing off the hook with heartbreaking stories from families
and youth experiencing harassment at school," Rep. Sara
Gelser said, according to Basic Rights Oregon. "They need
help now."
The bill will go to the
senate next.