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Phoebe Prince anti-bullying law passed in Massachusetts

State legislature unanimously approves measure; Governor Patrick Deval set to sign off

Published Friday, April 30, 2010, 7:06 AM
Updated Friday, April 30, 2010, 10:58 AM

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The Massachusetts State Legislature has unanimously approved a state law cracking down on bullying in what advocates say will be called Phoebe's law after the young Irish girl who committed suicide after being bullied.

The bill now goes to the governor for signature.

The bill requires school employees to report all instances of bullying and demands that principals investigate them.

"Bullying is not new. Bullying has been with us from time immemorial. But what has changed is that it appears to be more pervasive, more destructive," said Senator Robert O'Leary, Senate chairman of the Education Committee.
 
"We're going to send out a message that this kind of behavior is not acceptable and the community needs to deal with it," O'Leary said.

The proposal passed unanimously on a 38-0 vote.

Representative Martha Walz, House chairwoman of the Education Committee, said the bill was "very strong legislation that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of children in our state."

"This is a day that we can be proud we have done something positive – to eradicate bullying and to demonstrate to this commonwealth and to the nation that bullying will no longer be tolerated," stated Representative John Scibak, whose district includes South Hadley, where the death of Irish schoolgirl Phoebe Prince drew international attention to bullying.

The bill also is in memory of 11-year-old Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover of Springfield, who also committed suicide after being bullied.

Governor Patrick Deval is said to be ready to sign the measure as soon as it reaches his desk. A spokeswoman said it was a 'top priority.'
 

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3 Comments

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StevieWeavie | May 22, 2010, 07:56 AM EDT
I am very pleased to see that the Phoebe Law may go into effect. Unfortunately, today it takes a bad situation to make efforts to prevent future hazards but that seems to be the way it is. I just pray that all principals, teachers, counselors and others may take this very seriously. Today people seem to care less and less and forget our purpose for being here. I'm very sorry for the loss of Phoebe and Carl and I do understand the loss of a child. There is nothing anyone can say or do to make those parents feel any better. If you think you can imagine how they feel well multiply that by trillions. I pray for you all and may you find peace in knowing that they will live forever in GOD's loving grace.

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jerianneclancy | May 01, 2010, 07:51 AM EDT
It's sad that Carl's suicide went so "unnoticed" at the time. I believe the law should be called The Carl and Pheobe Law. Carl was bullied like Phoebe and mabye if the media was as present during his death this law would have passed sooner and possibly saved Phoebe.

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Liamkeyes | Apr 30, 2010, 07:44 PM EDT
Very good. However, Time will tell how the law will be implemented,.

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Searlit | Apr 30, 2010, 10:06 AM EDT
I'm glad the bill passed, but the teenagers still need to be held accountable for their crimes or that will send a different message than the bill.

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