Linda,
I do understand "not forgetting."
I still don't think "bullied kids are bullied kids." There are degrees, both in the bullying itself, and how much is done about it by the teachers. If there was a case in which, say, Christians had been specifically targetted, to the degree these kids were, and the school authorities had ignored it -- quite probably because of their own deep-rooted anti-Christian sentiments -- then I would feel the same way. Meaning, I would support a program to deal with anti-Christian bias specifically, for that school system. I wouldn't argue for an inclusive anti-bullying program.
See, I may be wrong, but I'm still working from the assumption that most teachers, principals, bus drivers, etc. know that bullying is wrong and should be dealt with. Based on the case report, I suspect the problem is that some of these authorities may be uncomfortable with or even opposed to the expression of homosexuality, and when faced with gay kids being bullied, failed to deal with the situation properly. So a program to counter that problem, specifically, is necessary there. If there are other groups which school authorities are failing to properly defend, then that too should be addressed wherever it occurs, in proportion to the problem.
Aineo,
I have mixed feelings about the concept of "hate crime." But I do think there's a difference between a gay youth being murdered for being gay, and a straight youth being murdered for some reason other than their orientation. It isn't any more of a tragedy -- dead is dead. But it means something different to everyone else who's identifiably gay. It means that, besides all the usual reasons for which people can be hurt or killed, we're also still at risk from the people out there who hate us impersonally, for being what we are.