Gov. Pat Quinn Signs Anti-Bullying Legislation; Requires School Districts to Adopt Comprehensive Anti-Bullying Policies

Bill was a priority of the Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)

From the Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)

On June 26, 2014, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed HB 5707, which requires school districts to adopt, comprehensive anti-bullying policies. This bill was a priority of the Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), whose volunteers travelled to Springfield to speak with their legislators and sent them letters requesting their support!

In recognition of our support of this key legislation, Governor Quinn invited AFSP representatives to attend the bill signing. Standing behind the podium during the signing on behalf of AFSP were Alyssa Relyea, Board Member and Chairperson of the Women’s Outreach Committee; Anne Gulotta, Board Member and Co-chairperson of the High School and Middle School Outreach Committee; Chuck Roper, Board Member and Chairperson of the Interactive Screening Program Committee; Dr. Richard Kirchhoff, DDS, Chairperson of the Board of Directors and National Advocacy & Policy Committee Member; Rachelle Jervis, MBA, Illinois Area Director; and Steve Moore, Esq, Secretary of the Board of Directors and Chairperson the Advocacy and Policy Committee.

“It is a great honor for AFSP to be a part of this historic day. I am proud of all that AFSP has accomplished in the community,” said Rachelle Jervis, MBA, Illinois Area Director. Chuck Roper, reported that he is, “very proud to have been part of the Illinois Chapter of AFSP’s board that was present for the Governor’s signing of the anti-bullying bill.”

“The signing of the HB 5707 School policy on Bullying today by Governor Quinn in Illinois is monumental. It will give all students who are bullied the right to be heard and protected by law. This may be a game changer in setting the standard for school policy for the prevention of suicide and harmful behaviors in children from elementary school through high school. We are very proud that the American Foundation For Suicide Prevention Illinois Chapter had vital in put in the content of this Bill,” shared Board Member Anne Gulotta.

Board Member, Alyssa Relyea said, “My work with AFSP IL has grown along with the organization’s expanding reach. I started with fundraising, added programs for survivors, and today was a major accomplishment for us and our legislative and advocacy goals. This law will help propel the suicide prevention movement because it helps ensure that every Illinois child’s voice will be heard and respected instead of belittled or demeaned. I was immensely proud to be able to tell my young daughter that my many hours volunteering and fundraising have been repaid with legislation that will protect some of those that need it the most and is one more step to making our world a kinder, more respectful, and welcoming place.”

“By helping to prevent bullying in our schools, this bill will provide students with a safe educational environment that will allow them to achieve their full potential,” said AFSP Board Member and Advocacy Committee Chairperson Steve Moore.

During his speech Governor Quinn thanked the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for its support of anti-bullying legislation. AFSP and the community are grateful to all of the volunteers who worked hard for the passage of this bill; we are proud of the accomplishment.