New Jersey Assembly Bill A1651

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Establishes pilot program in DOE to address school climate issues related to harassment, intimidation, and bullying in public schools.

Impact

The pilot program will allow students to freely report incidents of bullying without fear of reprisal. This survey will encourage students to provide details about incidents of harassment and its effects on the school community. The collected data will be vital in investigating these incidents and understanding the broader implications on school climate. Additionally, the program will require school officials to act on identified patterns of bullying and review existing policies to enhance their effectiveness.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1651 establishes a one-year pilot program within the New Jersey Department of Education aimed at addressing school climate issues related to harassment, intimidation, and bullying in public schools. The primary goal of the initiative is to create a safe and positive learning environment for students, while also providing necessary guidance and counseling for student bullies. The bill aims to facilitate openness regarding bullying issues through the implementation of an anonymous and voluntary student survey.

Contention

One of the notable aspects of the bill is that it allows school districts to conduct the anonymous survey without prior parental consent, leading to potential concerns regarding parental rights and student privacy. The legislation seeks to strike a balance between encouraging reporting of bullying incidents and ensuring appropriate support for troubled students. At the conclusion of the pilot program, a report will be prepared by the Commissioner of Education to assess the program's feasibility for a broader rollout across additional school districts in the state.