Students Need the Safe Schools Improvement Act

Since it came out a few years ago, I’ve been fascinated by the website Microaggressions. The website attempts to create a dialogue around the way small interactions about race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or other characteristics can have enormous impact on an individual’s lived experience. According to the website, “microaggressions are brief and commonplace daily verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, they communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative…slights.” The website is filled with stories of comments and experiences that make submitters feel “erased,” “ignored” or like they don’t matter.

While many of these incidents may seem minor in isolation, put together – and depending on the surrounding circumstances – they can rise to the level of bullying or harassment. This is a particular problem in schools. I certainly remember how, in middle school and high school, a small comment about my hair being frizzy or me not wearing makeup could throw off my entire day. When such comments or other conduct is severe or pervasive, it can create a hostile environment, in which the victim cannot focus on or succeed in his or her schoolwork. In educational settings, harassment is more than a hurtful inconvenience – it’s a barrier to an effective and fair learning environment.

This is one reason we need the Safe Schools Improvement Act, which is being reintroduced in the Senate today. This bipartisan bill, introduced by Senator Casey (D-PA) and Senator Kirk (R-IL), would require schools to take steps to prevent bullying and harassment and respond to it effectively. For example, the bill would require schools to adopt policies explicitly protecting those who experience bullying due to certain protected characteristics, including sexual orientation and gender identity, and provides for the collection and reporting of bullying and harassment data.

The list of changes that need to be made in order for schools to be safe and healthy learning environments for all students is a long one. The Safe Schools Improvement Act is an important part of addressing the experiences of students who face bullying and harassment and creating an environment that promotes learning for all.