Officials: Bullying Debate in Minn. Brought Change | Schools

Officials in Minnesota's largest school district say a new policy requiring them to foster a respectful learning environment for all students is better than an old one requiring them to be neutral in discussions about sexual orientation.

But they also say that the real benefit probably has been felt already because all the debate over the change has fueled discussions about bullying and sexual orientation.

The policy change comes after six students in the district committed suicide in less than two years. Some had been bullied, and some were either gay or seen as gay.

Anoka-Hennepin Superintendent Dennis Carlson agrees the fight over the old policy probably has made more of a difference than the new policy will. He also says a stronger anti-bullying policy adopted earlier has helped.

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