Constitutional Law

Sen. Lautenberg introduces campus anti-bullying bill

By By The Associated Press

TRENTON, N.J. ? U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., has introduced legislation in Congress to require colleges to adopt a code of conduct that prohibits bullying and harassment.

The Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act is named for the 18-year-old Rutgers University freshman who committed suicide in September after his gay sexual encounter in his dorm room was broadcast online.

The measure, S. 3960, introduced Nov. 18 by Lautenberg would require colleges that receive federal money to adopt policies that prohibit harassment based on a student's sexual orientation, race, gender and other factors.

It also would provide funding for schools to establish or expand programs to prevent harassment of students.

U.S. Rep. Rush Holt, a fellow New Jersey Democrat, introduced identical legislation in the House of Representatives.

Full post as published by First Amendment Center on November 25, 2010 (boomark / email).