ACLU testifies on proposed bullying bill

In May 2011, the ACLU-NCA submitted written testimony on Bill 19-11, the Bullying and Intimidation Prevention Act of 2011. 

While recognizing that "the problem of bullying, especially in the District’s schools, is real and pervasive," and supporting "the enactment of a statute that carefully defines the problem and requires the District’s public schools, public charter schools, and other government agencies to address it vigorously," we pointed out that this bill, like the bills introduced in the previous Council session, had a variety of serious problems, includingan overly broad definition of "bullying" and other provisions that would violate the First Amendmrnt.  We emphasized that the "primary goal of [a] bill should be to prevent bullying, not just to punish it after it occurs, and the only effective way to accomplish that is through education and training."  We therefore urged the Council to focus on education and training in this area, rather than punishent.

As of November 7, 2011, bill has not moved foward.

A copy of our testimony on the Bullying and Intimidation Prevention Act of 2011 is here.