SALEM, Ore. -- Governor Ted Kulongoski signed a bill into law Friday that cracks down on bullying and harassment in schools.

The Oregon Safe Schools Act is an updated, tougher version of an existing anti-bullying bill. Read the bill PDF

Under the new law, all Oregon schools must clearly define and post anti-bullying and harassment rules. Each school must elect a point person designated to address bullying concerns.

Lastly, the law ensures that school administrators, teachers, students and parents have necessary educational tools to deal with bullying.

Rachel Cushman, 22, is a member of the Oregon Students of Color Coalition. Cushman believes she was a victim of bullying because she is part Native American.

Lisa Chavez-KTVB

“There were times when people would call me a heathen or a savage,” Cushman said. “They thought it was funny, but it would really hurt.”

Cushman said her older brother had it worse.

“During his senior year in high school he was brutally attacked,” she said. “It left long lasting impacts on his life.”

Cushman said she was overjoyed when the Governor signed House Bill 2599.

“I almost wanted to cry. I was really happy, really happy,” Cushman said.

Basic Rights Oregon Director, Jeana Frazzini supports the bill. She said it will protect students who are perceived as different, no matter what their race, religion, color, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status.

“It’s a major victory,” Frazzini said. “It’ll make a difference in the lives of all youth in this state.”

The law takes effect July 1.