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Samantha Hayes ReportingThe issue of bullying in Utah schools is being heard at the Capitol today, a year after Eyewitness News exposed the problem and pushed school districts for answers. The resolution calls for a statewide coalition to create an effective system for responding to bullying in Utah schools.
It is being heard by the education committee today. Lawmakers, educators and students gathered beforehand to discuss the issue.
Pat Rusk, Utah Education Association: "I'm an elementary school teacher and I had children afraid to go to the bathroom because they didn't know who would be waiting in there. They have physical symptoms of illness. Their grades suffer."
Wyatt Anderson, Bullying Victim: "Mainly verbal abuse, which stemmed from lack of understanding by my peers from calling names. Kids don't recognize the scope of what they are saying to people."
Last year, Eyewitness News investigated and exposed the widespread problem of bullying on playgrounds in Utah schools. Community response was so great, school districts changed their policies on bullying and the state office of Education made bullying a reportable offense.
Carla Kelly, Human Rights Education center of Utah: "I honored you for doing it. I felt like it was a truthful portrayal of what's going on in our school, and I thought parents felt validated because they were so frustrated."
Supporters of the resolution say thousands of students stay home from school every day because they are afraid.
The resolution goes before the House next.
