The Jeffrey Johnson Bullying Act: 006.147

Students with special needs are often the victims of bullying.

This can't be allowed and more awareness is needed. Our kids need to be empowered - particularly the non-verbal ones - and learn to use all types of communication methods to express fear, concern, pain, worry, sadness. Social stories are a great tool to address this topic!

In ESE classrooms, the concept of bullying takes place when a student does not have a Functional Behavior Assessment in place and a student in particular becomes the target. My daughter lived it... Thank goodness she survived it. A teacher, a friend, told me what to do (file a bullying report in the school district website ASAP - see links below)!

Lisa Grant, ex-ESE Director for Pinellas Cty. dared to tell me - "we cannot guarantee these events will not happen again..."

As I responded -- Thank you for giving me the words to use in a court of law when I sue you, Superintendent Grego, Commissioner Stewart and FL ESE Director Verra-Tirado for putting the life of my daughter at risk.

In less than 3 days, the boy was gone from the classroom. He did not have a Functional Behavior Assessment in place. In the meantime, my daughter was his punching bag. I could not allow this to continue.

It is a sad situation for all involved.

As a parent, do feel empowered to do anything in your might to find a solution to this situation -- your priority is to keep your child safe. Particularly, when the school system does not always fulfill their duty.

The school district must follow the law. The law exists to protect our students.

When they do not follow the law, remind them, document everything and seek every opportunity to create a positive learning environment for your child.

Bullying and harassment prohibited.—

(1) This section may be cited as the “Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act.” (2) Bullying or harassment of any student or employee of a public K-12 educational institution is prohibited: (a) During any education program or activity conducted by a public K-12 educational institution; (b) During any school-related or school-sponsored program or activity or on a school bus of a public K-12 educational institution; (c) Through the use of data or computer software that is accessed through a computer, computer system, or computer network within the scope of a public K-12 educational institution; or (d) Through the use of data or computer software that is accessed at a nonschool-related location, activity, function, or program or through the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased, or used by a school district or school, if the bullying substantially interferes with or limits the victim’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or opportunities offered by a school or substantially disrupts the education process or orderly operation of a school. This paragraph does not require a school to staff or monitor any nonschool-related activity, function, or program. (3) For purposes of this section: (a) “Bullying” includes cyberbullying and means systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students and may involve: 1. Teasing; 2. Social exclusion; 3. Threat; 4. Intimidation; 5. Stalking; 6. Physical violence; 7. Theft; 8. Sexual, religious, or racial harassment; 9. Public or private humiliation; or 10. Destruction of property.