LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — As the new school year starts on Monday, a concern that may be top of mind for parents and students is bullying.
The Clark County School District (CCSD) is listening to those concerns, and this week proposed changes to a state law that could better protect victims of bullying.
“Clarifies the law and allows for students with substantiated discrimination, cyberbullying or bullying incidents to be transferred to a different school rather than the victim,” Dr. Brad Keating, CCSD assistant superintendent of community partnerships and government relations, said. He spoke at a Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday.
The way the current law is written, victims of bullies can petition the school board to change schools. But, CCSD wants to amend the law.
How?
“If the victim does want to be moved, that might be the best answer. But if they don’t want to be moved, then the option available is to move the offender. The law currently does not allow that,” CCSD Chief Communications Officer Tod Story said.
Teachers previously interviewed by 8 News Now in the past have criticized the district’s policy on bullying.
“The bullies have more rights than the bullied — period — in this district,” Kelly Edgar, a retired CCSD teacher, said.
Nevada Assemblyman and teacher Reuben D’Silva, D-Clark County, said the district’s new policy, which requires students to place their cell phones in signal-blocking pouches, will help.
“There’s going to be less opportunity for students to get on the phone, potentially interact with one another, potentially bully one another,” D’Silva said.
Twelve-year-old Flora Martinez attended Keller Middle School when she died by suicide in May. Her parents blame bullying and say CCSD’s policies on bullying fall short.
“She couldn’t win. She did everything right. We did everything they told us. None of it worked,” Alice Martinez said.
The district is also proposing another bill that deals with teacher recruitment and retention.
The Nevada Legislature convenes on Feb. 3, 2025.
The district encourages victims of bullying to tell an adult, or use SafeVoice. It’s an around-the-clock app and website designed to report threats and concerns anonymously.
