HB 2631 Notification of harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyberbullying.

HB 2631 VOTE: NO
Signed into Law by Gov Brown on 06/11/21
Status (overview) of bill: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2021R1/Measures/Overview/HB2631
Committee assigned to bill: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2021R1/Committees/HED/Overview

Chief Sponsors: Rep. Drazan (R, HD-39), Boshart-Davis (R, HD-15), and Sen. Wagner (D, SD-19)  What is the point of requiring reports be sent to parents/guardians when the student can prevent the report from being reported???

This bill requires a report of an act of harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyberbullying, school employees are required to notify parents or guardians in a timely manner. A student may request that parents/guardians not be notified.

Personal Choice and Responsibility
Parent rights and responsibility for their child is allowed to be bypassed without cause. “Notification may not be provided to the parents or guardians of the student if the student has requested notification not be provided unless the student later agrees to the notification.” There is no age requirement or evidence that notification might be harmful to the child. Studies show kids don’t want to disappoint their parents, and that should not be a factor for denying parents rights. Removing a parent’s right to notification must have some legal basis.

Limited Government
Timely notification is important but it’s mute if it allows the student to bury a secret.