OFF THE PRESS

Bullying has been pushed into the national spotlight as victims are harassed, humiliated or threatened, often online for all to see. Some have even taken their lives over the incidents. What must school administrators and attorneys do to combat the problem, and what tools does the law give them? A new book published by the American Bar Association, "School Bullying: How Long Is the Arm of the Law?," reviews antibullying measures passed by state legislatures and examines the fate of school district policies that have been challenged in court. It also explores the constitutional issues that arise from applying antibullying regulations, examines federal guidelines on harassment, and offers suggestions for a systematic approach to dealing with bullying. The author, James Hanks, is a shareholder with Ahlers & Cooney PC, in Des Moines, Iowa, who advises school districts, community colleges and area education agencies. He is the editor and a contributing author of "School Violence: From Discipline to Due Process," a publication of the American Bar Association Section of State and Local Government Law. "School Bullying: How Long Is the Arm of the Law?" published by the ABA Section of State and Local Government Law costs $44.95 and can be ordered by calling 1-800-285-2221 or visiting http://ambar.org/schoolbullying. Published: Tue, Sep 4, 2012