LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — A Lansing lawmaker is introducing new legislation aimed at protecting students from harassment in school, but for one Mid-Michigan father, the issue is deeply personal.
Kevin Epling says his son, Matthew, was assaulted by older students at East Lansing High School in 2002. Forty days later, Epling says Matthew died by suicide.
Epling has spent years advocating for stronger school safety policies. He said bullying and harassment often overlap, and he believes schools still do not consistently follow existing rules.
“We found over the years, schools are blatantly not doing what they’re asked to do,” Epling said. “You’ve got to have strong language, but you also have strong enforcement.”
Now, State Representative Emily Dievendorf (D-Lansing) is introducing the Students’ Access to Freedom and Educational Rights (SAFER) Act. Dievendorf says the legislation is designed to protect students who experience harassment and hold schools accountable when harassment is reported…