On the recordMarch 19, 2024
As I traveled through the airport, I could sense the degree of excitement of many of the students who were traveling on spring break. As I entered the Capitol, it was a joy to see so many classes and families enjoying the wonderment of democracy in this great place, the citadel of democracy. Nonetheless, I rise today to talk about America's schoolchildren and particularly to talk about those who are impacted by disparate policies such as the policies in Barbers Hill. I want to acknowledge the Congressional Black Caucus and the advocates who have supported and surrounded Mr. George. Mr. George is a young man who is isolated in a classroom, who has been going to school with no academic teaching, no ability to fraternize with his fellow students, no ability to eat in the lunchroom, and no expectation of any kind of spring break. Madam Speaker, you ask: Well, he has obviously misbehaved. No. He has over a 3.0 grade point average. He is an excellent student, but he is being there because of his hairstyle. I need the Secretary of Education to help this young man and go to his classroom. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman's time has expired.
