Albany, New York - September 9, 2010

New York students now have more protection against bullies.

Gov. David Paterson has signed a new law protecting public school students from discrimination and bias-based bullying. The law specifically tackles harassment based on race, weight, ethnicity, religion, disabilities, sexual orientation and gender.

Schools now have to set up programs to prevent such incidents. They also must report bullying incidents to the state if they occur on school grounds or at school functions.