Many dissatisfied with Mass. anti-bullying law (too broad)

[The Straight Story]

Many dissatisfied with Mass. anti-bullying law

BOSTON -- After years of legislative wrangling it took a tragedy to get a tough new anti-bullying law approved on Beacon Hill this year.

But not all are happy with the law that was passed after the suicide of 15-year-old Phoebe Prince, a South Hadley High School student bullied by classmates, made international headlines.

Some school principals say they must rewrite successful anti-bullying programs that were in effect before the Legislature passed the new law in May. Anti-bullying advocates say the law doesn't go far enough. One legal expert warns that vague language could open the door to many cases that fall short of real bullying.

Sean Varano, a criminal justice professor at Roger Williams University, says the law allows any student to file a complaint of bullying if he or she considers any kind of problem with a fellow student as emotionally harmful.

Varano said under the definition, a kindergartner telling a classmate she wouldn't be invited to his birthday party could be charged with causing emotional harm.


Read more: http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/local/ci_16992920#ixzz19v0Ro6PI

[customerserviceguy]

1. Emotionally harmful?

That would include just about anything that has happened to me each year of my education. Would having a girl turn me down for a prom date qualify? Would my asking her in the first place qualify?

Maybe we should all just chug over to mamby-pamby land, and look for some self-respect!

[bluestateguy]

2. Cool

So if the pretty popular girl in school turns some dork down for a date, he can file a complaint?

I wish that law was in effect when I was in school.

[petronius]

3. No, the complaint would go the other way - do you know how emotionally harmful it can be for a

high school hottie when her friends learn that she was asked out by a low-prestige dork? :)

[ProgressiveProfessor]

4. I doubt much of it will every be enforced. Way way way too open

For example if someone feels intimidated and emotionally harmed by someone with a rainbow logo on a shirt?

[LostInAnomie]

5. Some people just will never accept that not everything can have a legal remedy.

Emotional harm is a ridiculous standard.