Governor John Hickenlooper has signed a bill that seeks to reduce school bullying, especially among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered students.
Surveys have shown that as many as 9 out of 10 LGBT kids have been bullied and 6 out of 10 feel unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation. HB 1254 is being praised by gay and lesbian advocacy groups including One Colorado.
“Specifically LGBT youth are often the ones who are targeted for harassment and bullying in schools right now,” says Executive Director Brad Clark. “But clearly this is an issue that affects all students and this bill addresses that for every student in a school.”
The bill requires school districts to develop policies to prevent bullying as well as identify and punish bullies. It also provides grants that districts can apply for to create prevention programs. HB 1254 had overwhelming, and bipartisan support during the current legislative session.
Colorado now becomes the 12th state in the nation to put an anti-bullying law on the books.