CHICAGO – On Wednesday, State Representative Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) advanced legislation to curb school bullying.  The Cassidy-sponsored legislation passed the House with 61 votes in favor.

“Bullying in our schools can cause ripple effects that can have huge impacts on our children,” Cassidy said.  “Bullying has been shown to significantly decrease test scores of the entire class room and has been linked to an increase in criminal activity by both bullies and those who are bullied.  We cannot tolerate any bullying in our schools.”

House Bill 5290 would provide a model bullying policy for use by school districts across the state to ensure that students and parents know that their concerns will be taken seriously and define responses for schools and law enforcement to bullying in our schools. HB 5290 now heads to the Senate.

“To get straight to the heart of bullying in our schools, it will take a comprehensive approach among parents and educators,” Cassidy said. “By giving school district the tools to combat bullying and working with the community to offer youth programming and professional development for staff, we can help ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for children and schools.”

For more information, please contact Rep. Cassidy’s office at (773)784-2002 or by email atRepCassidy@gmail.com