The Connecticut state legislature is considering changes to its anti-bullying laws, but the bill still lacks specific protections for groups that are often victimized by bullying and harassment, including LGBT students.

The bill will be considered by the Joint Education Committee this Friday, March 11th - CALL the Chairs of the Committee and urge them to add these protections!

Listing protected categories, such as race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity, does not just protect these groups, but strengthens anti-bullying policies for all students. Students in schools with these policies report less bullying and harassment, are more likely to report feeling safe at school, and are three times less likely to skip a class because they feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Enumerated policies are especially important for protecting LGBT students because they provide educators with tools to intervene and remove all doubt that LGBT youth are protected from bullying and harassment.

CALL TODAY! Tell the Co-Chairs of the Joint Education Committee that LGBT students must be specifically protected in Connecticut's anti-bullying legislation, SB 1138!

Education Committee Co-Chairs:

Senator Andrea L. Stillman (800-842-1420)

Representative Andrew M. Fleischmann (860-240-0420)

You can use the following points when you make your call:

• I am a student (or parent, educator, Connecticut resident, etc.) who cares about safe schools and I'm calling today to urge [Senator Stillman/ Representative Fleischmann] to include protected categories against bullying in Senate Bill 1138.
• Listing categories of students that are protected by the law protects ALL students, not just those listed.
• Students in schools with these policies report less bullying and harassment, are more likely to report feeling safe at school, and are three times less likely to skip a class because they feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
• Bullying, harassment, and discrimination of any kind are wrong.  Far too many schools do nothing to address the hostile environments that students face.
• Offer a personal story - from you, a friend, a student you know, your child, a neighbor, etc. Your personal experiences (or those of people you know) help lawmakers really understand why this bill is so critical.
• I ask the committee to show their commitment to protecting Connecticut students by adding enumerated language to Senate Bill 1138.
• Thank the staff member for their time.

Call BOTH Joint Education Committee Co-Chairs Senator Andrea L. Stillman (800-842-1420) and Representative Andrew M. Fleischmann (860-240-0420) to tell them that ALL students, including LGBT students, need protection under our state's anti-bullying laws!

Thank you, in advance, for taking this action! We'll keep you posted on how things progress.

Peace,
Leif Mitchell and Liane Roseman