Bullying & the Law: Federal Civil Rights Protections — Part 2 of 3
There is no single federal anti-bullying law — but six federal civil rights statutes apply when bullying involves discrimination. Here's exactly what they cover and what schools are required to do.
Many parents assume that because New Jersey has such a strong anti-bullying law, federal law must be even stronger. The reality is more nuanced — and understanding it is critical if you ever need to escalate a bullying situation beyond your school district.
The Key Fact: There Is No Single Federal Anti-Bullying Law
As of 2025, no federal law directly and specifically addresses bullying. However, when bullying overlaps with discrimination — when a child is targeted because of their race, sex, disability, religion, or national origin — federal civil rights laws apply with full force.
The Six Federal Laws That Apply to Bullying
- Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 — Prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in public schools.
- Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 — Prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in any program receiving federal financial assistance.
- Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 — Prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and gender-based bullying.
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 — Prohibits discrimination against students with disabilities.
- Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) — Extends disability protections to public entities including public schools.
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) — Requires schools to provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to students with disabilities.
Source: StopBullying.gov — Federal Laws
Read Part 3: What to Do When Schools Fail to Act →
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