Dear GLSEN Greater Cincinnati supporters:

Recently, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1942 which specifically prohibitsbullying done through electronic means, such as by text or social media sites.  HB 1942 will now be sent to Texas Governor Rick Perry to be signed into law.  GLSEN Greater Cincinnati applauds Texas for moving forward with anti-bullying legislation, and hopes to see continued progress with anti-bullying laws across the country in providing safe schools for all students.

Currently, the Jessica Logan Act (House Bill 155) is pending in the Ohio House of Representatives.  This bill would require public schools to expand their bullying policies to prohibit harassment by cell phones, computers and other electronic means.  Senate Bill 127 mirrors HB 155.

Another bill (House Bill 208) was recently introduced by Lakewood's State Rep. Nickie Antonio, the first openly gay legislator in Ohio.  HB 208 would add sexual orientation and gender identity to the state's anti-bullying legislation, along with other categories.

GLSEN Greater Cincinnati envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. GLSEN Greater Cincinnati seeks the passage of legislation that would require schools to implement comprehensive anti-bullying policies that address bullying and harassment and ensure the safety and well-being of all their students.

Ohio residents, click here to access contact information for your State Legislators.  You may use the following text in your messages:

Dear Representative/Senator ____________:

I am contacting you to urge you to support and cosponsor House Bills 155 and 208 or Senate Bill 127.  I encourage you to support the passage of this legislation that would require schools to implement comprehensive anti-bullying policies that address bullying and harassment and ensure the safety and well-being of all their students.

Ohio's schools should encourage all students to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.  Additionally, school policies that prohibit electronic forms of bullying help to keep students safe from one of the most pervasive forms of modern bullying.  These pieces of legislation will work together to ensure safer schools for all of Ohio's students.  Please support and cosponsor House Bills 155 and 208 or Senate Bill 127.

Thank you.

Thank you so much for your continued efforts to support safe schools for all students.