Political Quotes

“I rise today to comment on H.R. 6, the Improving America's Schools Act. There are many programs incorporated in this bill which I support, but there also are some provisions which need revision. I support the Armey amendment which clarifies that the Federal Government in no way requires certification or regulation of teachers in any private, religious, or home school. I applaud the fair and equitable revision of the chapter I formula that has emerged from the Education and Labor Committee. I am pleased to see the inclusion of a new chapter 2 that will permit State and local education agencies to create innovative programs, providing them the freedom to experiment within broad guidelines. I also am glad to see the inclusion of many portions of the Gender Equity in Education Act. These provisions address the current deficiencies in girl's education and the need for the elimination of sexual harassment in the schools. According to a recent survey by the American Association of University Women, nearly one in four students who have been sexually harassed say that this results in their not wanting to attend school. Nearly one in four girls say that harassment has caused them to stay home from school or cut a class. At a time when we are raising educational standards, we must heed these signals. We must eliminate hostile hallways and provide for safe and equitable treatment for all students. I am opposed to opportunity-to-learn standards being imposed on schools.”