Posted: Apr 01, 2010 7:07 AM EDT
The recent death of Phoebe Prince prompted Massachusetts lawmakers to pass new anti-bullying legislation. But sadly, for those suffering at the hands of bullies in our state,they're still waiting for action.
It's a frustration Kevin Epling knows all too well.
Kevin Epling, Bully Police USA: "Here in Michigan since 2001, we have endured 8 deaths and our legislature is still wavering on why something like this would be needed."
One of those deaths was Kevin's son Matthew. In 2002, at just 14, Matt Epling took his own life following a hazing incident.
Epling: "That really kind of changed our entire direction of our life, it was the only incident that we could kind of point to that could have been a motivating factor."
Since then Kevin has worked tirelessly to get anti-bullying legislation passed in Michigan. He proposed Matt's Law in 2005. As of now, the bill is stalled in both House and Senate education committees.
Epling: "It is going to require every school in the state of Michigan have an anti-bullying, anti-harassment policy."
But some districts aren't waiting for a law to help their students.
Nancy Schertzing, Restorative Justice Coordinator: "Restorative Justice takes the same situation of misconduct-conduct but instead of asking what the punishment is, we ask the question, what harm is caused by this situation."
But Epling admits initiatives like restorative justice are just one piece of the puzzle. He says Michigan still needs anti-bullying laws, so other students won't suffer like his son did.
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