School Bully Bill Stumbles At Minn. Legislature
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Supporters of legislation to crack down on bullying in schools are vowing to press on next year after their bill got held up in the Minnesota Senate.
A few dozen supporters of the bill gathered at the Capitol Monday. A few hours earlier, the Senate tabled the House-passed bill for the year after Republicans vowed to mount a 10-hour debate against the measure while time dwindles on the session.
The bill requires all public school districts create policies aimed at reducing bullying, or risk losing state aid. Supporters say it's to protect kids whose educational performance and self-worth are battered when bullies target them.
Republican opponents say school boards should decide how to handle the issue, and that such policies would put students at risk of being labeled bullies for expressing religious views.
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