Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi Announces Reintroduction of the STOP Bullying Act To Protect LGBTQI+ Youth and Students of All Backgrounds

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi announced the reintroduction of the State Taskforce Opportunity Program ("STOP") Bullying Act. The STOP Bullying Act incentivizes the establishment of statewide anti-bullying task forces to study, address, and reduce bullying in primary and secondary schools, with particular attention to the pervasive bullying of LGBTQI+ students. The bill is endorsed by Gay and Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN).

"Every child deserves a safe, supportive environment where they can learn and grow without the fear of bullying or discrimination," said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. "Unfortunately, many young people, especially LGBTQI+ students, face hostile environments that can harm their mental health and hinder their educational success. The STOP Bullying Act addresses these issues head-on by providing states with the tools and support they need to create and maintain safer schools for all students, regardless of their identity."

"Every student deserves the opportunity to learn in a school that is free from fear, violence, or discrimination. LGBTQ+ youth face some of the highest rates of bullying, which is often exacerbated by a lack of clear remedies or even discriminatory school policies or practices," said Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, Executive Director of GLSEN. "The STOP Bullying Act will ensure that schools prioritize solutions that will build safer school climates for all, including through collaboration with educators and communities. We are grateful to Congressman Krishnamoorthi for his ongoing leadership in focusing school leaders on bullying prevention and fighting for safer learning environments so that all students can learn, grow, and thrive at school."

"Every young person deserves to be healthy, happy, and safe. Yet, anti-LGBTQ+ bullying is all too pervasive," said Mike Ziri, Director of Public Policy at Equality Illinois, the state's LGBTQ+ civil rights organization. "According to GLSEN's 2021 survey data from Illinois, 56% of LGBTQ+ students experienced anti-LGBTQ+ verbal harassment and almost 20% experienced anti-LGBTQ+ physical harassment. We at Equality Illinois also hear directly from LGBTQ+ young people in Illinois about the harms and harassment they experience. That's why we endorse the STOP Bullying Act, which would support the convening of school leaders, mental health providers, and impacted communities to identify ways to prevent bullying. Thank you to Congressman Krishnamoorthi for championing this Act."

"Every child, irrespective of their race, color, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity, deserves to feel safe, valued, and included in their school community. As advocates and parents of LGBTQ+ children, we at PFLAG Geneva/Tri-Cities fully endorse the STOP Bullying Act," the organization noted in a statement. "This important bill takes a proactive approach to address bullying, rather than merely responding after harm has occurred. PFLAG Geneva/Tri-Cities thanks Congressman Krishnamoorthi for sponsoring this measure and for his dedication to keeping our kids in Illinois' 8th District - and beyond - safe in school."

The STOP Bullying Act builds on successful state-level initiatives by establishing a new grant program through the Department of Education. This program would award grants to states to create anti-bullying task forces that bring together educators, community leaders, and other stakeholders to evaluate and enhance bullying prevention strategies.

Key provisions of the STOP Bullying Act include:

1. Creating a federal grant program to fund state anti-bullying task forces.

2. Requiring each task force to include educators, school administrators, parents, students, guidance counselors, child psychologists, lawyers, professionals specializing in supportive services for LGBTQI+ students, and representatives from State Education Agencies.

3. Task forces will coordinate with other state boards and commissions to ensure consistency and effectiveness.

4. A final report, containing findings, recommendations, best practices, and awareness strategies, will be submitted to the state's Chief Education Officer and the U.S. Secretary of Education.

By empowering states to tailor their anti-bullying efforts to local needs, the STOP Bullying Act fosters long-term, sustainable progress toward safer schools. The bill also highlights the importance of inclusive and community-driven approaches to addressing bullying.

The STOP Bullying Act is co-sponsored by Representatives Khanna, Norton, Tonko, Soto, Suozzi, and Sherrill and is endorsed by more than 30 organizations, including the Advocates for Youth, American Psychological Association, Human Rights Campaign, National Education Association, and The Trevor Project, among others.