Lansing Michigan House GOP to change anti-bullying legislation

By Tim Martin Associated Press LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Republican leaders in the Michigan House said Monday they'll change anti-bullying legislation that was recently passed by the state Senate by striking a clause that critics say would allow religious-based verbal harassment. The legislation would require public schools to adopt policies aimed at cracking down on bullying and harassment of students. But the bill as it passed the Republican-led Senate last week "does not prohibit a statement of a sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction" of a student or school employee. Democrats say that clause offers a blueprint for getting away with bullying in schools. Michigan Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan called the Senate bill a "joke." Leading House Republicans plan to strike the clause that sparked the criticism as they prepare to debate the bill. "That language does not have support and we will be looking to remove it one way or another," said Ari Adler, a spokesman for Republican House Speaker Jase Bolger. "We're certainly focused on trying to make this bill better." Democrats want the clause removed. Democrats also want a more detailed measure that specifically outlines reasons students can't be bullied, such as sexual orientation, race and weight. The Republican-passed bill doesn't include such a list. "The Senate Republicans chose to play politics with this critically important issue that resulted in a bill that would actually leave Michigan's students less protected than they already are," Senate Democratic Leader Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. "I'm calling on Speaker Bolger to not only fix their mistake, but bring Michigan up to date with what other states are already doing in passing comprehensive anti-bullying legislation that protects all of our students from bullying." The House's version is also not expected to include a detailed list. Republicans say listing specific motivations for bullying in a state law could never cover everyone and could exclude some students from protection. Republican Gov. Rick Snyder wants Michigan to adopt an anti-bullying law. Published: Wed, Nov 9, 2011