H.Con. Res. 328, Supporting the Goals and Ideals of the National Day of Silence With Respect fo Anti-Lesbian, Gay, Bisexuals, and Transgender Name Calling, Bullying, and Harassment Faced by Individuals in Schools

Floor Speech

Madam Speaker, on April 25, 2008, the 12th annual National Day of Silence will be observed. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 328, which supports the goals and ideals of the National Day of Silence.

Despite many misperceptions out there, the reason this day exists is to bring attention to the harassment, bullying, and outright abuse towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transsexual (LGBT) students at schools and campuses across our country.

Four out of five LGBT students experience harassment at schools. Recent studies show that two of the top three reasons students are harassed in school are actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender expression.

The goal of the National Day of Silence is to make schools safer and supportive for every student, regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression. It's important to recognize that hundreds of thousands of students of all beliefs, backgrounds, and sexual orientations participate in this day.

Harassment and abuse affects all students, and hopefully through this inclusive, collective effort can this hatred be quieted, and eventually silenced.

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