New Jersey Assembly Bill A3933

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/24
• Refer: 3/4/24

Caption

Requires school safety teams to include coaches; broadens definition of "harassment, intimidation or bullying" to include hazing; requires coaches and certain advisors to complete training on anti-bullying policy.

Impact

In its implementation, A3933 will require coaches and certain school staff members, such as aides and extracurricular advisors, to undergo training on the school district's anti-bullying policies. This provision is intended to ensure that all school personnel are equipped to identify and address bullying related behaviors effectively. The bill also aims to create a more proactive approach to preventing bullying in schools, in alignment with recommendations from the New Jersey Anti-Bullying Task Force.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3933 aims to enhance school safety by revising the definition of harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB) to explicitly include hazing. This change reinforces the seriousness of hazing behaviors in schools and broadens the understanding of what constitutes bullying under state law. The bill mandates that all school safety teams include at least one coach from the athletic programs, thereby integrating athletic personnel into the conversation around student safety and wellbeing.

Contention

Despite the bill's focus on enhancing student safety, there may be contention surrounding its practical implementation. Critics could argue about the additional responsibilities placed on coaches and school staff, as well as the potential financial implications of training programs. Additionally, there may be concerns about how effectively hazing and bullying can be managed within school environments, and whether new training is sufficient to address these longstanding issues.