Minnesota Anti-Bullying Law Gets Low Grade from Feds

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Federal officials say Minnesota needs to toughen up its anti-bullying law.

A Department of Education report on 46 states with laws against bullying gives Minnesota the lowest marks for the lack of scope and definitions in its law.

Minnesota's 37-word law is the shortest anti-bullying law in the nation. It was passed in 2006 and amended in 2008 to include cyberbullying. It requires school boards to adopt an anti- bullying policy that addresses intimidation and bullying in all forms.

The federal report comes amid a growing focus on school bullying in the wake of school violence and high-profile youth suicides.

Attorney General Lori Swanson has proposed legislation to strengthen the state law. She says Minnesota needs to set a strong tone that bullying isn't tolerated.

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