Dept. of Education instructs crackdown on bullying

The United States Department of Education Office of Civil Rights on Tuesday, Oct. 26 issued a "Dear Colleague" letter to schools, colleges, and universities explaining the different forms bullying can take, and who has the responsibility to stop it.

While current federal laws don't offer protection against anti-LGBT harassment, a press release accompanying the letter stated that said laws "do include protection against harassment of members of religious groups based on shared ethnic characteristics as well as gender and sexual harassment of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals."

The letter -- referred to as a "guidance" -- also offers clarification as to when student bullying may violate federal education anti-discrimination laws.

"This guidance is an extremely important reminder to all school districts of their existing responsibilities under current civil rights statutes," said Eliza Byard, Executive Director of The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). "The Department of Education rightly focused on the plight of certain religious students and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students who may not be receiving the full protections from bullying and harassment that are their right. While additional, specific protections are still needed, I commend this Administration for doing all in its power to protect vulnerable students."

The "Dear Colleague" letter explains clearly educators' responsibilities when it comes to bullying prevention, and provides examples in which the school's role is clearly outlined.

"We've got to dispel the myth that bullying is just a normal rite of passage, or an inevitable part of growing up. It's not," President Barack Obama said in a prepared statement. "We have an obligation to ensure that our schools are safe for all of our kids. Every single young person deserves the opportunity to learn and grow and achieve their potential, without having to worry about the constant threat of harassment."

The press statement also announced the White House will host a conference to raise awareness about bullying early next year. The Department of Education also plans to hold technical assistance workshops around the country to help teachers and educators better understand their roles and obligations, as well as resources available to help end bullying and harassment.

"Bullying is a problem that shouldn't exist. No one should ever feel harassed or unsafe in a school simply because they act or think or dress differently than others," said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. "To every student who feels threatened or harassed -- for whatever reason -- please know that you are not alone. Please know that there are people who love you. And please know that we will protect you."

To view the "Dear Colleague" letter, visit http://bit.ly/aUtheR.