Safe Schools Lobby Day postponed
Coalition cites lack of preparedness; new date not yet announced
by Jessica Carreras
Originally printed 3/19/09 (Issue 1712 - Between The Lines News)
Safe Schools Lobby Day, originally planned to take place on Wednesday, March 25 at the state capitol, has been postponed.
The event, co-sponsored by more than 20 organizations, was pushed back after members of the Safe Schools Coalition spoke and decided that more time was needed to prepare for the event.
"Lobby Day is an important event," Triangle Foundation Youth Coordinator Brett Beckerson wrote on Facebook to those planning to attend the daylong event. "The Coalition decided to postpone this event to a time in which our efforts can make the greatest impact. This postponement is necessary for Matt's Law and for our communities."
A new date has not been set.
Recently, a schism has arisen among supporters of Matt's Safe Schools between those who support an enumerated bill and those who support a truncated bill that omits enumeration. Enumeration would include listing specific groups of students who would be protected, including LGBT students.
Triangle Foundation Executive Director Alicia Skillman maintains that the decision to postpone is not tied in any way to the arguments that have taken place. "It's been an ongoing discussion in the safe schools coalition," she said.
The postponement announcement comes just days after Rep. Pam Byrnes, a longtime supporter of Matt's Safe Schools, introduced the bill in the House of Representatives as House Bill 4580. The bill, introduced on March 12, is similar to Senate Bill 275, which is the non-enumerated version of the legislation.
Watch for updates on Safe Schools Lobby Day, including a rescheduled date, in Between The Lines and at www.pridesource.com. For more information on anti-bullying legislation, visit the Triangle Foundation's Web site at www.tri.org.
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