http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/0 ... ullyi.htmlgov-christie-speaks.JPGAmanda Brown/The Star-LedgerNJ Gov. Chris Christie today signed what advocates call the strictest anti-bullying law in the country.
By Matt Friedman/Statehouse Bureau
TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie has signed a bill advocates say gives New Jersey the toughest anti-bullying law in the nation.
Christie signed the “Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights,” according to a press release from Garden State Equality, the state’s largest gay rights organization, which advocated for the bill.
The new law is intended to eliminate loopholes in the state’s first anti-bullying law, passed in 2002, that encouraged school districts to set up anti-bullying programs but did not mandate it.
It will require training for most public school teachers, administrators and other employees on how to spot bullying and mandate that all districts form a "school safety team" to review complaints. School districts would be graded by the state on their efforts to combat the problem.
Administrators who do not investigate reported incidents of bullying would be disciplined, while students who bully could be suspended or expelled. School employees would also be required to report all incidents they learn of, whether they took place in or outside of school.
The bill sailed through the Assembly and Senate in November. It passed 73-1, with 5 abstentions, in the Assembly. It passed the Senate 30-0.
Christie signed the bill Wednesday, spokesman Michael Drewniak said.
"He signed it, and we're overjoyed," said state Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen), one of the bill's prime sponsors.
State Sen. Diane Allen (R-Burlington), also a prime sponsor, said while the law won't end bullying, school employees will know how to better deal with it.
"While we cannot change human nature, we can change how government and school officials respond to unacceptable behavior," she said.
The bill, in the works for almost a year, gained publicity and momentum after the suicide of Rutgers freshman Tyler Clementi, whose roommate streamed a romantic encounter between him and another man over the internet.
Previous coverage:
• N.J. Assembly, Senate pass 'Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights' in wake of Tyler Clementi's death
• Anti-bullying Bill of Rights sails through N.J. Assembly, Senate education committees
• N.J. Senate advances stricter anti-bullying law following suicide of Tyler Clementi
• N.J. lawmakers to hold hearings on proposed anti-bullying laws following Rutgers suicide
• Uncertainty looms over whether anti-bullying measures may have played role in Tyler Clementi's death
• N.J. proposal to toughen anti-bullying laws follows Rutgers student suicide
• N.J. lawmakers introduce 'Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights' in wake of Tyler Clementi suicide
• Complete coverage of Tyler Clementi's suicide case
