Education Law

What is the feds’ role in school bullying?

Recent cases of bullying and harrasment in schools and universities have prompted the federal government to create policies and recommendations guiding schools on how to protect their students.

In October, the U.S. Department of Education?s Office of Civil Rights issued guidance reminding schools receiving federal funding that behavior considered bullying under a school?s bullying policy may also trigger the school?s responsibilities under federal civil rights statutes. In extreme cases, the agency could withhold federal funds.

NSBA?s General Counsel is now asking the Department of Education to clarify or reconsider portions of its recent guidance to schools on bullying and harassment related to federal civil rights laws, saying that the guidance would have many unintended consequences and could be extremely difficult for schools to implement.

Let us know what you think about the recent guidance from the Department of Education.

Full post as published by BoardBuzz: NSBA's Daily Weblog on December 13, 2010 (boomark / email).