Supporters of a bill called Matt’s Safe Schools bill, which has been held up in the Michigan Senate since March of 2007, are calling on Michigan to follow the lead of Florida and pass the bill quickly.

The bill is named for Matt Epling, a 14-year-old student from East Lansing who killed himself following a series of brutal hazing incidents. His father, Kevin, has taken a leading role in pushing for passage of the bill.

“We need action now for the sake of Michigan’s kids,” said Kevin Epling, a member of Bully Police USA and the Michigan Safe Schools Coalition. “We have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for our children to learn in and that extends beyond the classroom. Bullying is not just a rite of passage; it is a real and serious problem that destroys lives. My family knows firsthand about the tragic consequences of bullying. We must act now and call on our elected leaders to do their part to protect all Michigan’s children. Every day the Legislature delays action more of our kids are put at risk.”

Florida’s new law, called the “Jeffrey Johnson Stand Up for All Students Act,” requires school districts to adopt tough new anti-bullying policies and specifies that the policies must address “cyber-bullying” — taunts and harassing messages delivered via the Internet, cell phone or other technology.

School districts could lose money if they don’t comply with the law, which also requires schools to quickly investigate reports of bullying, provide counseling to bullies and their victims, and promptly report incidents of bullying to parents and law enforcement, where appropriate. Florida Gov. Charlie Christ is expected to sign the bill.

Michigan’s proposed law is being held up by Holland Republican state Sen. Wayne Kuipers. Kuipers has in the past expressed concern about the bill because it would include protections for students who are harassed for their sexual orientation or gender identity and/or expression. Kuipers told Michigan Messenger in March he was introducing bills that would address the root cause of bullying through character education; however, no such bills have yet surfaced.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop has said he supports the bill.

The bill is opposed by the American Family Association of Michigan, under the leadership of Gary Glenn of Midland.

Matt’s Safe Schools Law passed the House in 2007 and awaits action in the Senate. The legislation requires every school district in Michigan to adopt anti-bullying policies within six months of passage.