Federal Legislation
There are three key pieces of federal legislation that the Tyler Clementi Foundation supports:
The Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act (TCHEAHA) is the Foundation’s key piece of federal legislation in the wake of Tyler’s tragic suicide. The proposed law would require colleges and universities receiving federal funding to enact anti-harassment, anti-bullying policies and require them to distribute their anti-harassment policy to all students and employees. The law would also create a competitive grant program at the Department of Education through which institutions can apply for funding to initiate or improve programs that prevent harassment or bullying, provide counseling to victims or perpetrators, and educate or train students, faculty, and staff on anti-bullying policies.
The TCHEAHA was re introduced in Congress on May 15th, 2019 under S-1492 and HR-2747
The Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA) is a proposed law that would require school districts in states that receive funding under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to adopt codes of conduct specifically prohibiting bullying and harassment. SSIA would also require states to report data on bullying and harassment to the Department of Education. The Department of Education would then be required to present the sate-reported data to Congress every two years.
The SSIA was last introduced in the Senate in March of 2018 by Sen. Bob Casey and in the House of Representatives by Reps. Linda Sanchez (D-CA) and Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) in April of 2017.
The Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA) is a proposed law that aims to protect LGBTQ students against bullying and discrimination in schools. It is modeled after Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which addressed discrimination on the basis of sex.The law would prohibit any discrimination against LGBTQ students in schools receiving federal money and prohibits them from ignoring harassing behavior.
The SNDA was last introduced in February of 2015. We are currently working with offices in Congress and other organizations to find a lead sponsor.
Support these legislative priorities by:
- Entering in your information below
- Selecting your federal representatives
- Editing your support letter by adding in your story and perspective (or sending it as is)
- Click ‘Submit’ and know that your voice against bullying will be shared with legislators, and your voice will be counted!
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