CADILLAC, MI -- The State of Michigan is in talks to adopt anti-bullying legislation.
Right now, Michigan is one of just three states that doesn't have laws on the books that crack-down on bullying in schools.
"He decided he couldn't handle it anymore I guess, nobody ever really knows what puts somebody over the top," said Tom Harrison.
Dead at 16. February 7th, 2009 was the worst day of Tom Harrison and his wife's life. After years of social abuse and bullying, their son Alex, a sophomore at Cadillac High School, took his own life.
"It’s an issue, it's a big issue, it's been proven to be worse than alcohol and drugs, and all of that stuff, it batters kids," said Tom.
Now, Tom wants put an end to bullying and he spends his time speaking to students in schools to share his story. He says 10 out of 100 students are bullied every day.
"It just really infuriates me and frustrates me that we can't pass some laws that will help the schools be held accountable for the things that go on inside their buildings," he said.
While most local districts have anti-bullying policies in place, a bill is on the Michigan Senate floor to address the issue at a higher level. Some democrats want language included to protect 12 classes of students that are said to be commonly bullied, like the disabled and gay and lesbian students.
“Too many young kids are taking their life because they're so desperate, and I think that's what's so important about this legislation," said State Sen. John Gleason, D-27th District.
But some republicans believe limiting the law to protecting certain students doesn't do justice, and that's why this issue is grid-locked.
“Every time you enumerate one group of people, you're automatically not including another group of people, I think it's more appropriate to just provide anti-bullying policies that cover bullying," said State Sen. Howard Walker, R-37th District.
Equality Michigan, a civil rights group, told me a bill without categories would be unsuccessful based on a study that shows parents and school administrators are unlikely to act when they see bullying happening.
“I don't care the reason why the person is being bullied, that's not the issue, if a person is being bullied, it doesn't matter the reason," said Tom Harrison.
While the bullying issue continues to bounce back and forth between legislators, Alex’s dad hopes for one thing, and that's state guidance for the local school districts. He says with that, it might not be the end all, but at least, it's a start.
The republicans have proposed a bill that simply says "all pupils are protected."
Both of the lawmakers, regardless of their party lines, agree Michigan does need to have protections to hold schools accountable.
To learn more about Tom Harrison's efforts to put an end to bullying, CLICK HERE.