Bullying victims protected by the law

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - October is national anti-bullying month, and on Wednesday, there was a discussion at the Western New England University Law School about the legal protection students have against bullies.

Massachusetts has an anti-bullying law that focuses on prevention and awareness, but there are many other legal options. Gabrielle Viator, Assistant Attorney General under the Civil Rights Division told 22News that bullying is more than just teasing.

Bullying really is a civil rights issue, to the extent that it interferes with a student's right to an education,” Viator said.

"There's a couple different legal angles to bullying, from statutes like Title 9 which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, which might cover some forms of bullying,” said Erin Buzuvis, a WNE Law School Professor.

The group also discussed the challenges that schools face when handling the legal implications of bullying.