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(West Des Moines) – Governor Chet Culver today signed SF 61, the School Anti-Bullying and Anti-Harrassment Act, at a visit to Valley High School in West Des Moines. The Governor was joined by Lt. Governor Patty Judge, legislators, school administrators, and civil rights leaders from across the state during the ceremony. “The School Anti-Bullying and Anti-Harassment Act creates a new boundary in Iowa classrooms, hallways, and cafeterias. This bill makes it clear Iowans are committed to providing protection against intolerance in every Iowa school,” said Governor Culver. “This bill simply says that bullying, threats, intimidation and intolerance have no place in our public education system. It is a real step forward for our state. Now that we have the policy, we must all work together to give our educators and administrators the training and tools necessary to eliminate bullying in our schools forever.” SF 61 establishes a state policy that school employees, volunteers, and students in Iowa schools shall not engage in harassing or bullying behavior. The bill defines harassment and bullying, requires public and non-public schools to adopt such a policy and encourages them to develop programs regarding anti-harassment and anti-bullying. The bill also requires the collection and reporting of data. During the ceremony, the Governor was joined by West Des Moines Superintendent Dr. Tom Narak. Dr. Narak is the first recipient of the Kathy Collins Reilly “Courage in Education” Award for his tireless efforts to create safer, more inclusive schools throughout our state for all students. |