Office of the City Clerk - Record #: SO2017-8242

• Record #: SO2017-8242
• Type: Ordinance
• Status: Passed
• Intro date: 11/8/2017
• Current Controlling Legislative Body: Committee on Finance
• Final action: 11/8/2017
• Title: Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 8-4 by adding new Section 8-4-084 regarding bullying and harassment
• Sponsors: Burke, Edward M., Austin, Carrie M., Reilly, Brendan, Laurino, Margaret, Harris, Michelle A., Ervin, Jason C., Hairston, Leslie A., Curtis, Derrick G., Waguespack, Scott, Quinn, Marty, Lopez, Raymond A., Thompson, Patrick D., Maldonado, Roberto, Silverstein, Debra L.
• Topic: MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENTS - Title 8 - Offenses Affecting Public Peace, Morals & Welfare - Ch. 4 Public Peace & Welfare

Date	Journal Page Number	Action By	Action	Result
11/8/2017	58452	City Council	Passed as Substitute	Pass
11/6/2017		Committee on Finance	Recommended to Pass
11/6/2017		Committee on Finance	Substituted in Committee
11/6/2017		Committee on Finance	Direct Introduction

SUBSTITUTE ORPINANE

WHEREAS, the City of Chicago is a home rule unit of government pursuant to the 1970 Illinois Constitution, Article VII, Section 6(a); and

WHEREAS, pursuant to its home rule power, the City of Chicago may exercise any power and perform any function relating to its government and affairs including the power to regulate for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and

WHEREAS, harassment and intimidation have no place in in the education and professional settings that we strive to protect; and

WHEREAS, the prevalence of social media is a double edged sword, not only allowing for a more accurate reflection of the scope of the issue but in many cases, amplifying the impact of this behavior; and
WHEREAS, an unequivocal stance against this behavior is overdue; and
WHEREAS, bullying among youth is an issue with which schools have long grappled; and
WHEREAS, the discourse has moved from playgrounds to legislative chambers; and
WHEREAS, Newsweek Magazine reported on October 13, 2017 that cities in New York and Wisconsin have passed measures that criminalize bullying; and

WHEREAS, under the ordinances passed in North Tonawanda, New York, and Shawano, Wisconsin, parents face repercussions of fines or jail time for instances of bullying; and

WHEREAS, Newsweek further reported that more than two-thirds of adolescents from more than 18 countries reported being bullied in 2016 and also cited a 2016 American Academy of Pediatrics report which found that bullying and cyberbullying contributed to teen suicide; and

WHEREAS, that bullying does not end with adulthood is reflected in the impetus for anti-harassment ordinances like those enacted in Seattle, Washington, and the City of Lakewood, Colorado as well as in criminal codes throughout the country; and

WHEREAS, this City Council seeks to offer more accessible redress to individuals who may be subject to this form of abuse on a near constant basis and for whom seeking criminal sanc...