By AP
LANSING, MI –
Republicans in the Michigan House appear ready to change anti-bullying legislation that was sharply criticized when it recently passed the state Senate.
The legislation would require schools to adopt policies aimed at cracking down on bullying and harassment of students. But the legislation as it passed the Republican-led Senate last week "does not prohibit a statement of a sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction" of a student or school employee.
Democrats say that clause offers a blueprint for getting away with bullying in schools. Michigan Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan called the Senate bill a "joke."
Ari Adler is a spokesman for Republican House Speaker Jase Bolger. Adler said Monday the clause doesn't have support, and it will be removed in a House version of the legislation.