A new bill designed to protect NY students from bullying, has been approved by the Senate and now awaits the signature of Governor David Paterson.

The new bullying bill applies to events on school grounds and at school functions. It prohibits harassment, the creation of a hostile environment by conduct and discrimination based on "actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation gender or sex." However, the new bill does not address the issue of cyberbullying.

Sen. Kemp Hannon, is proposing cyberbullying legislation that defines cyberbullying and adds it to a list of acts for which disciplinary measures must be taken. His bill also establishes a statewide registry for individuals to report instances of bullying and cyberbullying.

Source: Senate Pass Anti-Bullying Legislation, Garden City Patch, June 23, 2010

Tags: NY, cyberbullying, legislation