NJ Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act

New Jersey’s Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act was signed into law on January 5, 2011. The provisions of this law take effect September 1, 2011. There are many new requirements in the Act requiring:

• Every school district to adopt a new harassment, intimidation, and bullying policy that is in compliance with the Act by September 1, 2011.
• Every school district to have an Anti-Bullying Coordinator and every school to have an Anti-Bullying Specialist and School Safety & Climate Team. The Coordinator, specialist, and School Safety Team have very specific statutory responsibilities.
• The school district to provide training to current and new school employees, volunteers and contract service providers who have significant contact with pupils.
• Every teacher to complete at least two hours of instruction in harassment, intimidation, and bullying prevention in each professional development period as part of the professional development requirement pursuant to the Act.