BEDFORD TOWNSHIP, MI (WTOL) – It's a warning to all bullies in the state of Michigan. Governor Rick Snyder on Tuesday signed the state's anti-bullying bill into law, giving all school districts six months to develop a policy that defines bullying, prevents it, and punishes offenders.
For several years, the Bedford Local School district has had similar policies at the high school, junior high, and elementary levels. They define bullying as verbal, electronic, or physical acts of intimidation against another student. Punishments include suspension and expulsion.
Superintendent Dr. Ted Magrum said, "It's not just a physical or a mental bullying abuse. It does affect the classroom and their future. That's why they take it so seriously."
The new state law requires school districts to prohibit bullying, prevent retaliation against a victim or witness, notify a parent of the victim and offender, and begin a prompt investigation when an incident is reported.
Bedford High sophomore Karlyn Manera says bullying is common at school. "I believe it is still a problem and I've seen it happen so I am really glad that all schools have to have it now."
Her father hopes other districts use Bedford's policy as a guide. "Every night we sit down at the dinner table and you talk to your kids about what happened today at school and stuff like that, and you don't always find those things out. And unfortunately you usually find out when it's too late," said Chris Manera.
Superintendent Magrum says the district's policy and the new state law send a message through hallways in every school. "I think that sends a lot to the individual but even more important to the other students in the school….don't go down this path, right."
Bedford schools has a form on their website where students can report acts of bullying against themselves or others. You can find the link below:
http://www.bedford.k12.mi.us/~shs/bullying_Speak_up/bully.htm
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