Fans of the hit show, "Glee," were presented on Tuesday night with a hard-hitting story line about bullying, reports Time.
This not being a blog for TV criticism, judgment about the quality of the programming will be left up to Time. However, "Glee's" bullying episode does seem useful in starting a discussion about Texas bullying laws.
The issue seems ripe for the picking, not only because of TV shows, but because of recent revelations that major Hollywood star, Christina Hendricks, was also once the victim of bullying, reports Huffington Post. Hendricks remembers when she was spat on because she was a “goth kid.” Of course, imagining Christina Hendricks as a victim (or even a goth) today is a bit difficult, if not impossible, so maybe it really does get better.
In Texas, as in other states, “bullying” refers to verbal, physical, or mental acts committed by a student to harass, intimidate, or cause harm to another student. Bullying may include verbal threats, physical assault, intimidation, or other forms of inappropriate behavior, such as harassment, disorderly conduct, and acts which disturb the peace.
Because bullying on school campuses is a constant concern, parents, school districts, and students should be aware of the serious violations and violence that may occur as a result of student bullying, and how it may be addressed.
A number of states have passed laws to address intimidation, harassment, and bullying in schools. These “anti-bullying” laws are meant to promote school safety, improve truancy rates, and reduce school violence, among other things.
The Texas anti-bullying law is Texas Education Code Section 37.001. It explicitly prohibits bullying, harassment, and making hit lists.
Texas is rated A++ by watchdog organizations that monitor bullying, so if you have a child getting bullied you may have real legal recourse. You don’t have to finish watching the “Glee” bullying episode to take action, but it might make you stop and think.
Related Resources:
- Find a Houston Family Law attorney (FindLaw)
- Bully Police Texas Rating (Bully Police)
- Bullying and Intolerance (Reachout.com)
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