STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Half of youths on Staten Island say they’ve experienced some degree of harassment or intimidation at school, according to Rep. Max Rose, and the congressman wants to do his part to bring an end to it.
Joined by the parents of Daniel Fitzpatrick of West Brighton, a 13-year-old who killed himself in 2016 amid reports of bullying, Rose on Saturday announced he would be introducing legislation he hoped would address harassment at schools.
The announcement was made at Rose’s New Dorp office.
“Danny’s Law,” named after Fitzpatrick, would create an anti-bullying roundtable, comprised of education stakeholders, including teachers, guidance counselors, psychologists, parents and bullied children.
The members of the roundtable will be required to send Congress a report with recommendations on how schools and parents can most effectively combat bullying.
“I am committed to do my part," said Rose (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn), "to make sure bullying will not claim more lives.”
Maureen Fitzpatrick, Daniel’s mother, called the legislation a “gate opener” which would ensure “our youth has the right to attend our schools in a safe environment.”
The bill was originally sponsored by Daniel Donovan, Rose’s predecessor.
Before his death, Danny left a note detailing the bullying he went through at his Brooklyn elementary school. His family filed a lawsuit against the school in connection with his death.