Testimony of Bo Shuff, Director of Education and Public Policy on H.B. 276 (the "Safe Schools Bill") before the Senate Education Committee (December 12, 2006)
Good afternoon members of the committee. Thank you for the chance to testify before you today on this important issue. My name is Bo Shuff, and I serve as the Director of Education and Public Policy for Equality Ohio. Equality Ohio is the state-wide advocacy organization for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) and allied community. We believe in an Ohio where everyone feels at home; an Ohio where all students feel safe and can succeed.
Numerous studies, including two separate studies by the American Association of University Women, have demonstrated a direct link between academic performance and experiences of harassment and an unsafe learning environment in school. In the December edition of the Richland County School News, bullying was identified as the issue of most importance to the community by Dr. Norine Johnson, 2001 President of the American Psychological Association.(1) Clearly, ensuring safety for students is an issue that rises to a high level of importance for Ohioans. It is up to you, the state leaders, to establish a high priority for safe schools in our state. All students across the state need a safe and comfortable place to learn. Read Bo's full testimony
