New York Law Sponsored by Senator Mayer Extends Anti-Bullying Protections to Public School Kids [Times Union]

The state Division of Human Rights is now authorized to investigate and crack down on bullying, harassment and other types of discrimination in public schools, according to a bill signed into law by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Thursday.

The opportunity to obtain education without discrimination is recognized as a civil right in the state's 75-year-old Human Rights Law. There is no suggestion that the Legislature intended to limit the protections to private schools, Sen. Shelley Mayer and Assemblyman Erik M. Dilan argue in the bill's memo.

This issue of bullying in public schools is a profound concern of parents as well as other discriminatory behavior that exists is every other segment of society. We need to make sure there are appropriate consequences," Mayer said.