http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDK-ja8PLgg
LANSING — Legislation that would require Michigan's public schools to adopt anti-bullying policies has been approved in the Republican-led Senate, but some Democrats say the measure wouldn't do anything to protect students.
The bill was approved today by a 26-11 vote along party lines. It advances to the Republican-led House.
Some Democrats want a more detailed measure that specifically outlines reasons students can't be bullied such as race, weight and sexual orientation. Democrats said a clause in the Senate-approved bill would provide students with a license to bully based on religious beliefs.
Republicans said the bill would protect all students.
Michigan is one of the few states without a law requiring anti-bullying policies. Efforts to adopt one have languished for years.
Gov. Rick Snyder wants Michigan to adopt an anti-bullying law.
The section added by Senate Republicans states:
“This section does not prohibit a statement of a sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction of a school employee, school volunteer, pupil, or a pupil & parent or guardian.”
