COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a move to bolster anti-bullying measures in schools statewide, Democrat lawmakers unveiled a new bill on June 20. The legislation, identified as House Bill No. 216, aims to enhance Section 3313.666 of the Revised Code, focusing specifically on the prevention of harassment, intimidation, and bullying.
The proposed bill seeks to require the Department of Education to establish a procedure for requesting an investigation into a school’s adherence to its policy prohibiting harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Under the provisions of the bill, the Department of Education would develop a process whereby students or their parents/guardians could initiate an investigation by the department into their school’s compliance with the aforementioned policy.
Once a request is received, the department would undertake an investigation following procedures devised by the department itself. As part of this inquiry, the department would afford the student and the school an opportunity to present their case in a hearing. If the department determines that the school has failed to comply with its policy, it would mandate the school to rectify the situation within a specified timeframe and in a manner consistent with its policy.
Should the bill successfully pass through the legislative process, it promises to strengthen anti-bullying endeavors within Ohio’s schools, fostering an environment of safety and inclusivity for all students. The proposed legislation will undergo further examination in the General Assembly as lawmakers deliberate its merits.
