Bill Text: MI HR0166 | 2015-2016 | 98th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to declare October 2015 as Anti-Bullying Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2015-10-08 - Adopted [HR0166 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2015-HR0166-Enrolled.html
Reps. Iden, Crawford, Faris, Heise, Hovey-Wright, Maturen, Pagan, Potvin, Schor and Singh offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 166.
A resolution to declare October 2015 as Anti-Bullying Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.
Whereas, October is recognized across the United States of America as Anti-Bullying Awareness Month in an effort to raise public awareness about the importance of combatting this devastating societal problem; and
Whereas, Bullying continues to cause severe problems for countless children in and out of schools and online. All citizens in Michigan should be concerned about ways to reduce this very prevalent situation; and
Whereas, Bullying brings fear and hopelessness into the lives of innocent children in every corner of this state on a daily basis; and
Whereas, Victims of bullying are more likely to struggle in their classes, decrease their participation at school, and drop out before graduation. Adults that were bullied as children are more prone to depression and anxiety; and
Whereas, While most adults won't tolerate similar bullying tactics at their places of work, victimized children are commonly expected to confront their abusers on their own and often feel that they have no way to defend themselves; and
Whereas, Online cyber-bullying is currently on the rise and in some ways even more insidious than physical face-to-face bullying; and
Whereas, Constant name calling, threats, physical abuse, and gossip can leave a child psychologically injured and hopeless; and
Whereas, A bully harasses and degrades a victim and victimized children need the support of parents and school administrators to thrive; and
Whereas, Inaction by adults further increases the risk and prevalence of bullying activities and such inaction can result in continued mental and physical misery for children subjected to bullying on a regular basis; and
Whereas, There is evidence that young bullying victims are more likely to consider suicide than their peers; and
Whereas, Public Act 241 of 2011, also known as “Matt Epling Safe School Law”, requires every school district in Michigan to adopt a local policy prohibiting harassment and bullying at school; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare October 2015 as Anti-Bullying Awareness Month in the state of Michigan; and be it further
Resolved, That Michigan schools, students, parents, recreation programs, religious institutions, and community organizations be encouraged to engage in a variety of awareness and prevention activities designed to make our communities safer for all children and adolescents not only in October, but throughout the year; and be it further
Resolved, That the members of this legislative body encourage all Michigan citizens to work to protect our children from this ever-growing epidemic.
