Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen), the lead sponsor of the landmark Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights, vowed to continue fighting to protect students throughout New Jersey who are subjected to bullying and harassment after the Council on Local Mandates on Friday struck down the law, claiming it represented an unfunded mandate.
“For the countless students subjected to bullying day in and day out, this decision is devastating.
“My message to all of these students today is that we will not give up. We will work on their behalf to change the culture within our schools so that everyone can receive a ‘thorough and efficient’ education without being subjected to bullying, harassment and intimidation.
“I applaud all of the school districts that have been working throughout the year to implement this law and I hope the council’s decision will not dilute their commitment to preventing bullying.
“This rarely used, shadowy fourth branch of government voted behind closed doors to dismantle a law sponsored by two-thirds of the legislature and approved and signed into law by the Governor. Rest assured we will review the council’s decision thoroughly to find a way to make this law workable for everyone,” said Vainieri Huttle.