A new survey of Asian American students in city middle and high

A new survey of Asian American students in city middle and high schools found that half have been bullied about their race or religion at school.

R The “snapshot” study of more than 160 Asian American public school students by the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund and Sikh Coalition was released Thursday.

The group’s findings track with national research, including a 2007 National Center for Education Statistics report which found 11% of Asian American students said they had been called race-related hate words, compared to 3% of white kids, 7% of Black pupils and 6% of Hispanic children.

Five years ago, Mayor Bloomberg announced a new regulation creating specific policies and protocols for dealing with bias-based bullying.

The changes, like “Respect for All” posters in school hallways, have helped, advocates say, but too many Asian American kids are still being harassed.

Just 40% of bullied kids surveyed by AALDEF and the Sikh Coalition said the school informed their parents, as is required.

New York City Department of Education spokesperson Marge Feinberg said the department takes bullying “very seriously.”

Advocates said the city should release information on the number and type of incidents that are reported every year — and train a greater number of school employees about the issue.

They also urged schools to work to educate kids and staff before incidents happen.

via nydailynews.com