The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission is seeking feedback as it develops guidelines to address bullying and harassment in schools.

The commission released an initial draft of proposed guidelines on Aug. 8.

“In August we received more than 70 public comments on our harassment in education guidance,” said commission Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter. “Through the responses it was apparent that we need to evaluate the proposed liability standard. We know the effect bullying and harassment can have on children and this guidance will help protect students and provide justice to those who experience discrimination.”

A virtual public meeting to take feedback will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 21.

“We are asking for input from educators, students, parents, and advocates,” said commission Education Director Desireé Chang. “We know that harassment and bullying disrupt a student’s education and has a lasting negative impact on their life. It is our hope that this guidance provides a framework to achieve justice for those who experience harassment.”

The guidance provides a liability standard framework in order to evaluate discrimination cases involving harassment or bullying, according to the PHRC’s interim chief counsel Morgan Williams.

“Its goal is to empower students to report incidents of harassment and bullying and to provide notice to educational institutions of when the PHRC may hold the entity responsible for the actions of its students and employees,” Williams said.

Anyone wishing to attend the meeting and provide feedback can register online at ShortURL.at/TQaJf. Comments can also be submitted in writing by Nov. 22 to ra-hrphrcchiefcsl@pa.gov.

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