Sam Farr: “I rise today to provide a voice to those who too often are silenced: the gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender students…”

“I rise today to provide a voice to those who too often are silenced: the gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender students who face verbal, nonverbal, and physical harassment in our schools. Today is the National Day of Silence across this country. Students have taken a vow of silence to protest the discrimination and intolerance that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students face on a daily basis. In my district I am especially proud of Safe Schools Project of Santa Cruz County, which is coordinated by Santa Cruz County High School senior Nikira Hernandez. This program focuses on making K-through-12 schools in Santa Cruz County a safe place for all youth regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Considering our country's commitment to equality and liberty, it is disturbing that anyone is subjected to harassment and discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. We must work to protect our youth from violence and hatred while fostering a positive academic environment free of derogatory statements, taunts, and slurs. For that reason I am proud to cosponsor H. Con. Res. 86, which memorializes the National Day of Silence.”