Recognizing that certain students are more vulnerable than others, the updated bullying law includes the following language :
"... based on actual or perceived differentiating characteristics, including race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, socioeconomic status, homelessness, academic status, gender identity or expression, physical appearance, pregnant or parenting status, sexual orientation, mental, physical, developmental or sensory disability or by association with a person who has or is perceived to have 1 or more of these characteristics."
In addition, the law updates the requirements for the plan that each school must complete. It creates a data collection mechanism that hopefully will help identify trends to formulate responses.
The new law's language can be read in chapter 86 of the acts and resolves of 2014.
See our page on the Law of Bullying.
