A House Democrat proposed legislation on Friday that would require all schools to report and keep track of all instances of bullying, and to certify to the federal government that it is keeping accurate records.
Rep. Matt Cartwright’s bill is the Bullying Redress and Verified Enforcement Act, or the BRAVE Act. It’s aim is to make sure schools are fully aware of the bullying that takes place there, in the hopes they can do more to reduce these incidents.
“Bullying can have destructive consequences on our children and their education,” Cartwright said. “As a parent and a member of Congress, I believe we must take steps to create a school environment that prevents bullying and where our children can feel safe.”
The bill is an updated version of the legislation he proposed in the last Congress, which never advanced.
Under his prior bill, all bullying would have to be reported and described to school officials. Schools would also have to publish quarterly reports that summarize bullying incidents, and describe how the school responded.
Additionally, schools would have to certify to the Department of Education that it is complying the law before it can receive funding under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
