The city is expanding its anti-bias and harassment initiative in city schools after a series of recent high-profile bullying incidents rocked the nation.

The “Respect For All” began in 2004, and additional initiatives set to go into effect next September will include expanding schools’ existing safety committees to improve anti-bullying policies. Each committee will also be required to include a "Respect for All" program liaison who will respond to complaints about bias and harassment.

"We really wanted to redouble our efforts," City Council speaker Christine Quinn said, "to make sure that every child in our New York City public schools as safe as they can be possibly be and safe to learn as who they are."

In addition, Schools Chancellor Cathie Black said her department will work with the City Council to identify schools that already have especially effective programs.

"Because we do want the best practices to be out there, so that everybody doesn't duplicate efforts, but that they maximize the learning that we've already gotten over the last few years."