Senator Harkin Holds Hearing on Bullying at East High
Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) will convene a field hearing of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, which he chairs, in Des Moines Friday, June 8, 2012 at 1:15 PM. The hearing will explore growing national concern over bullying in schools and how local, state, and federal policies can promote bully-free environments for students to learn.
Harkin is supporting legislation in Congress called the Successful, Safe, and Healthy Students Act of 2011 to promote student safety, health, and mental well-being and by ensuring that all children are able to attend school in environments free from bullying, and harassment. During the hearing, a representative from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) will discuss findings of a new report on bullying.
“Iowa has seen firsthand the impact that bullying can have on a local community. And, in some cases, with devastating effects,” said Harkin. “Communities have got to come together if we want to put an end to bullying. And that starts with a conversation about what is going on in our schools and how policies on all levels can protect kids. No one – certainly not our children – should face bullying and harassment simply for being who they are.”
HEARING: “Bullying-Free Schools: How Local, State and Federal Efforts Can Help”
WITNESSES:
Panel I
Russlynn Ali, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, DC
Panel II
Linda Calbom, Western Regional Manager, U.S. Government Accountability Office, Sammamish, WA
Panel III
Penny Bisignano, Consultant for Bullying Prevention and Intervention, Iowa Department of Education, Des Moines, IA
Emily Domayer, Student, Morningside College, Sioux City, IA
Paul Gausman, Superintendent, Sioux City Community School District, Sioux City IA
Ellen Reilly, Learning Support Specialist, Davenport Community Schools, Moline, IL
Matt Shankles, Student, Linn-Mar High School, Marion, IA
Liz Siederquist, Student, Des Moines Area Community College Student, Ames, IA
DATE: Friday, June 8, 2012
TIME: 1:15 pm CT
PLACE:
East High School Cafeteria – 815 E 13th Street – Des Moines, IA
