“Jack Reid Law: Protect All Students Act” Advances in Committee

Reynolds-Jackson bill would protect students who attend nonpublic schools from harassment and bullying

(TRENTON) – Marking a step toward making schools safer for all students, the New Jersey Assembly Education Committee today advanced Bill A5254, known as the “Jack Reid Law: Protect All Students Act.” Sponsored by Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, the legislation would prohibit harassment or bullying of nonpublic school students — including cyberbullying — and requires nonpublic schools to adopt an anti-harassment and bullying policy.

The bill would close a gap in nonpublic schools’ anti-harassment and bullying policies by requiring the schools to promptly investigate reported incidents while remaining in contact with victims and ensuring their safety. Under the bill, nonpublic school students would be prohibited from harassing or bullying another nonpublic school student, whether on school property, at a school function, or off school property. Currently, New Jersey’s public schools are required to comply with the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act, while nonpublic schools are encouraged, but not required, to follow similar standards.

“Every child deserves to learn in an environment where they feel safe, respected, and supported,” said Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson (D-Hunterdon, Mercer), Chair of the Assembly Education Committee. “Bullying can have devastating consequences, and those consequences do not stop at the doors of a public school. By extending these protections to students in nonpublic schools, we are making it clear that every student's well-being matters and that every school has a responsibility to respond when bullying occurs.”

The legislation is named in honor of Jack Reid, who died by suicide at 17-years-old in April 2022 after he was bullied by his classmates at a private boarding school in New Jersey. The “Jack Reid Law” reflects ongoing advocacy by his family to strengthen protections for students across New Jersey.

Assemblywomen Linda S. Carter and Andrea Katz also sponsored the legislation.