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Franklin Lakes Board asks state to review Anti‑Bullying Bill of Rights Act
Summary
The Franklin Lakes Board passed a resolution calling on the New Jersey Legislature to review the Anti‑Bullying Bill of Rights Act, citing burdens on school resources, off‑campus social media reporting, and long‑term student file impacts; the resolution will be sent to legislative leaders and the state education commissioner.
The Franklin Lakes Board of Education on Sept. 24 approved a resolution asking the New Jersey Legislature to undertake a comprehensive review of the Anti‑Bullying Bill of Rights Act.
Resolution No. 1366, moved and seconded during the meeting and recorded as passed, lists concerns the board said have arisen under the Act: increased reporting that strains school resources, off‑campus and social‑media conduct prompting school investigations, inconsistent implementation across districts, potential misuse of procedures, emotional stress produced by formal investigations, and permanent recording of investigation findings in student files. The resolution requests stakeholder engagement, consideration of revisions (including streamlined reporting and restorative approaches), enhanced educator training, and mechanisms for ongoing monitoring and evaluation.
The resolution directs that copies be transmitted to New Jersey legislative leaders and education officials. The minutes list recipients including Senate President Nicholas P. Scutari, Speaker of the Assembly Craig J. Coughlin, chair(s) of the Assembly and Senate Education Committees, district legislative delegation members and the Acting Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Education, Kevin Dehmer.
The resolution frames the board’s action as a request for legislative and administrative review rather than a change in local policy. The board did not vote to alter local HIB procedures at this meeting; the action is a formal request to state lawmakers and officials to consider statewide modifications and support for schools.
Board members discussed the resolution as a measure to prompt statewide discussion about resources and consistency in HIB implementation; no specific legislative language or amendments were proposed at the meeting.
