On April 15, 2011, Representative Linda Sanchez (CA) introduced the Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA) H.R. 1648. SSIA is a piece of legislation which would ensure that states and school districts develop comprehensive, enumerated anti-bullying and anti-harassment policies that cover all students, including those who are bullied because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Safe Schools Improvement Act takes a number of important steps toward creating safe learning environments for all of America's students. It requires:

• Schools and districts to develop and use comprehensive and effective student conduct policies that include clear prohibitions regarding bullying and harassment and specifically protect students based on their race, color, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or country of origin;
• Schools and districts to focus on effective prevention strategies and professional development designed to help school personnel meaningfully address issues associated with bullying and harassment;
• States and districts to maintain and report data regarding incidents of bullying and harassment in order to inform the development of effective federal, state and local policies that address these issues.

The bill has been gaining bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress, with 41 cosponsors in the Senate and 161 in the House, but it needs your help! The more co-sponsors a bill has, the more likely Congress is to act on it!

Representative Murphy is the only Connecticut Representative who has not signed on yet! Email Representative Murphy today to ensure that every student is protected from bullying and harassment.