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Abstract
State legislators have reacted to a recent spike in bullying lawsuits and student suicides by proposing new requirements for schools and stricter punishment for perpetrators. However, questions remain about how to properly identify and punish bullying, and authorities have pushed for an updated, universal definition. Critics say some antibullying laws impose overly strict punishments and carry language that unfairly favors certain groups of students based on factors such as race, sexual identity and religion. Antibullying advocates say many of the laws do not provide for adequate funding for requirements imposed on school districts. Outside the classroom, highly publicized bullying cases in the National Football League and the military have drawn attention to the issue of workplace bullying.