27 Jun2023
Congresswoman Porter Introduces Bills to Improve Student and Educator Mental Health
Legislation Addresses the Growing Mental Health Crisis in Schools
Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA) has introduced two bills aimed at improving the support students and teachers receive when struggling with mental illness. Teachers and students alike are experiencing a mental health crisis. In 2022, over a quarter of educators reported symptoms of depression, with job satisfaction for teachers at record lows due to job-related stress. Students and youth are similarly affected by mental illness, with reports of up to 44% of college students suffering with depression and 37% with anxiety from 2021-22. The Student Mental Health Rights Act and Teacher Health and Wellness Act would improve compliance with existing federal law and expand the toolkit for well-being in schools.