What is the Florida Safe Schools Coalition?
The Florida Safe Schools Coalition is a broad based coalition made up of community organizations, teachers, students and administrators. Some of its member organizations include the Florida NAACP, Planned Parenthood, the National Council of Jewish Women, the Miami-Dade Student Government Association, Equality Florida and the Florida PTA.
Why did the Coalition form?
The Coalition formed because students were coming forward with stories of harassment and bullying in their schools. We heard stories of students getting beaten up because they were gay or harassed because they are Muslim. They told us even when they went to their teachers for help, many times nothing was done.
What does the Safe Schools Coalition do?
For the last 7 years, the Coalition has worked to get a statewide anti-bullying bill passed that would protect students no matter their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical appearance or ability.
Passing a statewide bill would hold all school districts to the same standard; that way students in every part of Florida are protected equally. Students should not simply be lucky enough to live in a place with protections; all students should be protected.
What is happening now?
Last year there was a bill introduced (HB 575) into the Florida State Legislature that would prohibit bullying in schools. It passed in the House but unfortunately time ran out before the Senate was able to pass it. The bill is expected to pass in 2008.
What can I do to help?
- Attend the annual Safe Schools Lobby Days. Talk to legislators from around the state and urge them to pass the safe schools bill.
- Have an in-district meeting with your legislator. You don’t need to travel to Tallahassee to talk to a legislator. You can schedule a visit with them in their home office. The Florida Safe Schools Coalition can help you schedule the meeting, help build a team for you and provide you with talking points.
- Write an article or letter to the editor of your school paper about bullying.
- Start a letter writing campaign. Urge your local representative and senator to push for the bill.
- Create change in your school. Talk to administrators and teachers about bullying in your school and ways to prevent it.