Anti-bullying measure from Curbelo targets policies that foster safer schools

School districts would be required to develop policies to prevent and prohibit various types of bullying under bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) on Thursday.

The Safe Schools Improvement Act, which Curbelo introduced with U.S. Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA) and 11 bipartisan members of Congress, would require school districts to develop policies to prevent bullying based on race, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, gender identity or religious beliefs.

“As a former school board member and the father of two young children in public school, it’s of great importance to me that schools across the country are a safe place where students can learn and thrive without being subject to bullying or harassment,” Curbelo said.

“We need to support policies that promote healthy learning environments and empower students to succeed, while also reducing the risk of avoidable tragedies that can cause incredible pain for families and communities,” he added.

In a 2015 survey, 20 percent of high school students reported being bullied on school property in the previous 12 months, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Sanchez said schools should be a safe space for children to learn and grow.

“The Safe Schools Improvement Act will give parents like me peace of mind to know all our children have an educational environment where they can learn without fear of harassment,” Sanchez said.

Eliza Byard, the executive director of the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), said the bipartisan bill is a common sense and critical step toward ending bullying and harassment in schools across the country.

“It reflects proven best practices in education designed to address deeply hurtful expressions of bias among students. We look forward to working with members to advance this bill this Congress.”