Bullying & the Law: NJ's Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights — Part 1 of 3
New Jersey has the toughest anti-bullying law in the United States. Here's what it actually says, what schools are legally required to do, and what it means for your child — in plain language.
Bullying is not just a schoolyard problem. In New Jersey, it is a matter of law — and the law here is among the strongest in the entire country. This is Part 1 of a three-part series covering NJ's Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act.
The Law: New Jersey's Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act
Official Citation: N.J.S.A. 18A:37-13 through 18A:37-37 (P.L. 2010, Chapter 122). New Jersey enacted its first anti-bullying law in 2002. On January 5, 2011, Governor Chris Christie signed the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act — a bill that passed both the state Assembly and Senate unanimously. The watchdog organization Bully Police rated it A++, calling it the toughest anti-bullying law in the United States.
The Legal Definition: What Is HIB?
The statute defines bullying using the term Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying (HIB). Under N.J.S.A. 18A:37-14, HIB is any gesture, written, verbal or physical act, or electronic communication that is reasonably perceived as being motivated by any actual or perceived characteristic such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or a mental, physical or sensory disability.
What Schools Are Required to Do
Every school district must adopt a formal written HIB policy. Every individual school must designate an Anti-Bullying Specialist. School staff must report an observed incident verbally to the principal on the day it occurs, and file a written report within two school days. The investigation must begin within one school day and be completed within ten school days.
Source: NJ Department of Education — HIB
Part 2 of this series covers federal civil rights laws that protect students from bullying. Read Part 2 →
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