Saint Paul , MN – The Minnesota House has passed the “Safe Schools for All” Bill by a bipartisan vote of 95-39. The Senate re-passed the bill in a bipartisan vote of 46-8. The bill now goes to Governor Tim Pawlenty who has fourteen days to sign or veto it. With alarming statistics coming out of the U.S. Department of Education about the percentages of children nationwide facing bullying in their schools and the recent bullying-induced suicides of at least two children in Massachusetts and Georgia, Minnesotans call on Governor Pawlenty to protect Minnesota’s youth by signing this bill.

The Safe Schools for All Bill is supported by more than 35 community groups led by Family Equality Council and OutFront Minnesota. The coalition includes Arc of Minnesota and PACER Center (organizations serving people with disabilities), Confederation of Somali Community, Education Minnesota (state's largest teachers' union), Minnesota PTA, Minnesota School Social Workers Association, Minnesota School Counselors Association, and Family and Children's Service. The states two principals associations, the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association and the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals, and the Minnesota School Boards Association all supported the final version of the bill.

"As a result of the passage of this legislation, students with disabilities across the state will benefit greatly," said Steve Larson, Public Policy Director of Arc of Minnesota. "The training required as part of the legislation is essential because not all students with disabilities are able to report when they are a victim of bullying or harassment. This legislation will give students with disabilities an opportunity to be fully included in their school environment."

The bill clarifies existing laws governing Minnesota schools, which do not provide sufficient guidance to on how to protect students. The bill brings schools' anti-bullying policies in line with the Minnesota Human Rights Act, which expressly protects against discrimination based on disability, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, and seven other key categories. Contrary to the claims of the bill's opponents, it applies to and protects all Minnesota students.

“The Minnesota legislature did justice by Minnesota students today, voting in favor of the "Safe Schools for All" bill, and I thank the members who voted for it," said Monica Meyer, Public Policy Director at OutFront Minnesota. "It falls now to our Governor to ensure that thousands of students no longer have to fend for themselves in schools. I hope the Governor will consider these students as he thinks about the legacy he wants to leave as leader of our great state."

Added Stephanie Hazen , National Training & Advocacy Manager at Family Equality Council's St. Paul Office, "As the mother of a five-year-old, I'm alarmed by the lack of protections in bullying and harassment policies in Minnesota schools. This is not a partisan issue. It’s about keeping kids safe at school. I thank the House and Senate members who voted for the Safe Schools for All bill. I urge Governor Pawlenty to sign it into law. My message to Governor Pawlenty: Don’t play politics with our kids—protect them.”

About Arc of Minnesota
The Arc of Minnesota is a private, non-profit, statewide voluntary organization. The mission of The Arc of Minnesota is to support and advocate for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families as they choose how they live, learn, work and play. We fight for persons with developmental disabilities so they can reach for a brighter, more inclusive future.

About OutFront Minnesota
OutFront Minnesota’s mission is to make our state a place where GLBT Minnesotans have the freedom, power, and confidence to make the best choices for their own lives. Leading Minnesota Toward GLBT Equality. Celebrating our 22^nd year.

About the Family Equality Council
The Family Equality Council works to ensure equality for LGBT families by building community, changing hearts and minds, and advancing social justice for all families. The Family Equality Council's Midwest Office is located in St. Paul , Minnesota . For more information visit www.familyequality.org.