2 NJ lawmakers reintroduce anti-bullying measure

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - March 10, 2011 (WPVI) -- Two federal lawmakers from New Jersey reintroduced legislation Thursday that would require colleges to adopt a code of conduct that prohibits bullying and harassment.

The measure, sponsored by U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg and Rep. Rush Holt, would require colleges and universities that get federal money to adopt policies that prohibit harassment based on a student's sexual orientation, race, gender and other factors. It also would provide $250 million for schools to establish or expand programs to prevent harassment.

The bill is named for Tyler Clementi, the 18-year-old Rutgers University freshman who committed suicide last September after fellow students allegedly used a webcam to spy on him during a liaison with another man.

It would require schools to distribute upgraded anti-bullying policies to students and notify them of counseling, mental health and other options.

The two Democratic lawmakers initially introduced their bill in November.

Clementi had been a student at Rutgers for just a few weeks when he jumped into the Hudson River from the George Washington Bridge. That came just days after the webcam incident, which allegedly involved his roommate and another Rutgers student.

The two suspects later withdrew from the university. Their lawyers have said they're not guilty of any crime.

Get more Local/State »

new jersey, trenton, bullying, local/state

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•