Governor Hochul signs bill to fight against bullying in schools statewide

ALBANY, NY- New legislation has been signed to help combat bullying in schools across New York.

Known as the ‘Jack Reid Law: Protect all Students Act,’ this bill aims to protect students attending private schools from bullying, discrimination or harassment when at school, online or at a school event.

It also requires private schools to strengthen or develop clear anti-bullying policies and reporting procedures.

The bill was signed by Governor Hochul and honors the memory of Jack Reid, a 17-year-old student who tragically died by suicide in 2022 after experiencing bullying for a year at the boarding school he attended.

With this law, all schools in New York State, now including nonpublic schools, are required to have strong policies and procedures in place that teachers and school staff are trained to properly implement when bullying is reported.

“The Jack Reid Law protects kids from the harmful impacts bullying can have on their lives,” Governor Hochul said.

“Every student deserves to feel safe when they’re learning, online with fellow students or enjoying school events off campus, no matter what school they’re enrolled in. As New York’s first Mom-Governor, I will always stand up for the safety and well-being of our children and do everything in my power to make sure no family endures the kind of heartbreak that inspired this law.”

The law requires schools to implement a commonsense approach to address bullying among students, including:

• Prohibiting bullying or harassment that occurs at school, online, or during a school function whether on or off campus.
• Adopting a clearly defined anti-bullying and harassment policy available to parents, students, and school staff.
• Establishing clear reporting and investigation obligations.

Governor Kathy Hochul image.