US Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) wants federally funded colleges and universities to enforce stringent anti-harassment policies.
As such, the senator has kicked off a new initiative to formulate and pass a comprehensive bill that would effectively ban all forms of harassment, including in the fast-paced digital space (cyber-bullying).
The nascent bill, if passed into law, would also create a competitive grant program at the US Department of Education (DoE).
Colleges and universities could then tap the collected funds to establish programs that seek to counter harassment – including the bullying of LGBT students.
“The suicide of Tyler Clementi is a tragic reminder that college dormitories, dining halls and classrooms are not always safe places for students,” Lautenberg explained in an official statement.
“[So], we need to increase efforts that ensure all students have the opportunity to learn in a safe and secure environment.
“My legislation will fill a void in federal law and for the first time require colleges to establish plans to protect their students from harassment and bullying.”
