Standing Up for Students

Unfortunately, the GOP majority in the House today officially killed the Schools Are For Education (SAFE) anti-bullying bill. The bill would establish a system for all school districts to set up an anti-bullying policy that fits their community’s needs.

This bill has had one of the most interesting journeys through the legislature. It had been pronounced dead several times in the Senate, only to pass with bipartisan support. However, upon coming to the House it received a much colder reception.

The bill was stalled in committee, however Rep. Edie McClafferty (D-Butte) today sought to blast the bill from committee for a full floor debate. During her speech on the measure she explained the importance of students feeling safe in their schools and how that directly impacted their academic performance. Proponents of the measure also reminded members of the House that they recently passed a measure that would protect hunters from cyber-bullying.

Unfortunately, the bill died with very little Republican support. Montana will remain one of 4 states in the nation that does not have a policy to combat bullying in their schools.