Bullying Law Passes NJ Congress, Heads To Christie
NEW JERSEY (CBS) - New Jersey lawmakers yesterday overwhelmingly approved tough new measures to fight bullying in schools.
If Governor Chris Christie gives his approval, the law would mandate training for public school teachers and administrators on how to spot bullying. It also would hold educators accountable for investigating and reporting such incidents, whether they happen on or off school property.
State senator Barbara Buono, a prime sponsor of the bill, says the message is that kids should never be afraid to go to school.
Buono says, "We can safely say that this bill offers hope to all of those children who are being bullied today -- that there is hope, that things will get better."
16-year-old Matthew Zimmer says the taunting was so torturous that he felt forced to leave his high school.
"It means so much to me to have this bill pass," Zimmer says. "I've been bullied for so many years. To think that there's something to look toward, to look forward to -- words can't even describe it."
Reported by Ian Bush, KYW Newsradio
