New Resolution on Bullying, Education – No. 11

Whereas, the General federation of Women’s Clubs of Massachusetts supports legislation to prevent bullying that would  address harassment, intimidation, bullying and cyber bullying in any public educational institution; and

Whereas, bullying is defined as unwelcome written, electronic, verbal or physical acts or gestures where a student feels coerced, intimidated, harassed or threatened; and

Whereas, bullying has been identified as a cause of youth suicides; and

Whereas, such legislation would require school boards to adopt anti-harassment and anti-bullying policies and to ensure that students can feel safe in a learning environment; and

Whereas, it would also require Departments of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop a model policy and training materials, to monitor school districts for compliance, and to submit annual reports to the state legislature/Department of Education; and

Whereas, such legislation to prevent bullying in schools would not infringe upon an individual’s right to free speech and would not create grounds for a lawsuit; therefore

Resolved, that the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Massachusetts urges its member clubs

(1)               To support such legislation and encourage their legislators to vote in favor of such legislation.

(2)             To present speakers and initiate forums on this subject for their members and the public.

(3)             To encourage school systems to adhere to strict anti-bullying policies.

(4)           To encourage school departments to take this problem seriously by appointing an employee to handle all bullying complaints with the same degree of concern as other student complaints.

(5)             To work with schools to ensure that school age children are safeguarded from mental and physical anguish caused by bullying.