New Jersey nonpublic schools would prohibit student bullying

Another student’s harassment or bullying of a nonpublic school student would be prohibited. This covers students in New Jersey nonpublic elementary and secondary schools. It applies on school property, at school functions, and off school property only when the conduct creates or foreseeably could create disruption at school and it is foreseeable the conduct might reach school property. The act preserves protected free expression and religious exercise, including state religious exemptions. The act would take effect on the first day of the fourth month beginning after enactment.

Each nonpublic school would have to adopt and share a plain-language policy on harassment and bullying. This applies to New Jersey nonpublic schools serving kindergarten through grade 12, or any combination of those grades. The school must post the policy on its website or parent and student portal, and share it each year with employees, students, and their parents or guardians. The act would take effect on the first day of the fourth month beginning after enactment.