Photo Gallery
Governor Douglas Signs Bullying Prevention Policy Law
Montpelier, Vt., May 18, 2004--Governor Jim Douglas signed into law a bill establishing bullying prevention procedures for schools.
Governor Douglas said the measure is the result of efforts by those who have worked to raise awareness about bullying and its effects on children. "Bullying is conduct that this bill recognizes as being more than just 'kids being kids'," Douglas said. "When it becomes pervasive, persistent and designed to humiliate or ridicule our children it requires some response from not only parents but also our schools."
John Halligan, (seen here with his wife to the Governor's right) whose son took his own life after being the victim of persistent bullying, thanked parents, students, educators and lawmakers who supported the bill. "No Vermont child should ever again be driven to self inflicted harm and even death, to cope with the self doubt and pain caused by bullying," Halligan said. "We do not pass laws expecting them to solve problems over night. We pass laws to make a strong statement of what is expected when we commune as a society. This bill makes a very strong statement of what is expected of our schools when it comes to bullying prevention."
"Bullying is an issue that should concern all of us--as students, as parents, as school officials and as lawmakers," Douglas said. "The first step in solving an issue such as bullying is to raise awareness through public and private dialogue. This law, and those who worked so hard for its passage, have accomplished this and I thank them for their efforts," he said.
Governor Jim Douglas signs into law H.629 Bullying Prevention Policies.