Governor Chet Culver says Iowa school kids are more secure than they were a year ago, because of anti-bullying legislation approved last spring. Culver spoke Thursday to about 300 high school students at an anti-bullying conference at Simpson College in Indianola. He warned them it’s now against the law to pick on someone based their race or sexual orientation.
"I think you’re going to be in a better environment, a more secure environment…an environment that’s more fun, more friendly, and as a result, you’ll do well," Culver told the students. Iowa is believed to be one of only ten states to adopt anti-bullying legislation.
Culver says it "not acceptable" for students of any age, in any school, to be bullied. Not every lawmaker supported the anti-bullying legislation, primarily because of the "sexual orientation" language. "As far as I’m concern," Culver stated, "there’s zero tolerance for bullying anybody." Culver encouraged the students to tell a teacher or administrator if they fell they are a victim of bullying.