Texas House Bill HB170

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 11/8/10
• Refer: 2/11/11

Caption

Relating to bullying as a ground for removing a public school student from class and placing the student in a disciplinary alternative education program.

Impact

The introduction of HB 170 has significant implications for school district policies across Texas. By formalizing bullying as a grounds for disciplinary action, the bill mandates schools to adopt more stringent measures to address and combat bullying incidents. The legislation could compel schools to develop or enhance existing procedures for dealing with reports of bullying and ensure appropriate responses are in place to prevent further occurrences. This may include training staff and creating educational resources for students and parents about the seriousness of bullying and the procedures for reporting it.

Summary

House Bill 170 addresses bullying in the educational context by establishing it as a valid reason for removing a student from class and placing them in a disciplinary alternative education program. The bill defines bullying broadly to include any written, oral, or physical conduct that a student knows, or reasonably believes, would cause significant emotional distress to another student. This definition specifically applies to acts committed on school property or during school-related activities, emphasizing the duty of public schools to maintain a safe environment for all students.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 170 appears to be generally supportive, as it aligns with the increasing emphasis on student welfare and safety within educational institutions. Advocates of the bill stress the importance of taking a firm stance against bullying and recognize the detrimental effects it can have on students' mental health and overall school experience. Nevertheless, there may be some apprehension regarding the potential for overreach in disciplinary actions and the subjective nature of determining what constitutes bullying, leading to concerns among educators and parents about the fairness of the disciplinary process.

Contention

One notable point of contention related to HB 170 might involve debates about the effectiveness of punitive measures versus restorative approaches in handling bullying cases. Critics may argue that removing a student from class does not address the root causes of bullying or provide the necessary support for the victim and the offender. There may also be concerns regarding the potential for disproportionate impacts on certain student populations if disciplinary actions are not applied consistently and fairly. Addressing these concerns will be critical for the successful implementation of the bill.