SALDEF Urges You to TAKE ACTION and Support the Safe Schools Improvement Act!
The Safe School Improvement Act (SSIA) was re-introduced into the House (H.R. 1199) and Senate (S.403) earlier this year. Send a message to your Congressmen urging them to co-sponsor this historic piece of legislation or thanking them if they have already expressed support. This landmark legislation aims to require schools to implement comprehensive anti-bullying policies that address bullying and harassment and ensure the safety and well-being of all students. No such federal law or policy exists that requires schools to adopt policies to address bullying and harassment. Existing state laws vary greatly in their reach and effectiveness. The SSIA would also require that states report data on bullying and harassment to the Department of Education.
Take Action: Tell your Congressmen to Support the Safe Schools Improvement Act!
Why is SSIA important to You? This bill is particularly important Sikh Americans because Sikh students are, unfortunately, all too familiar with incidences of bullying and harassment. SALDEF recently conducted a Sikh American Youth Bullying Survey in Southern California which revealed that over half of the Sikh American students surveyed have been bullied or harassed more than once and one third of the students having been threatened with physical violence or harm. No student should have to fear going to school. Students forced to endure bullying and harassment at school are at high risk for, poor academic performance, low self-esteem, social withdrawal, and losing their Sikh identity.
Take Action: Tell your Congressmen to Support the Safe Schools Improvement Act!