On the recordApril 18, 2013
I join today with my colleagues to observe the National Day of Silence, which began 13 years ago, to raise awareness of the hurtful and often long-term silencing effects that anti-LGBT name- calling, bullying, and harassment has on our young people. It's a tragic fact of our society that almost all LGBT youth know what it's like to be bullied or harassed because of their identified or perceived sexual orientation. Surveys show that nearly 9 out of every 10 LGBT students have experienced harassment in our schools. Mr. Speaker, our schools should be a place of learning and growth, where every student, no matter their background or orientation, should be safe and free to reach their full potential. On the National Day of Silence, we stand with our LGBT students to let them know that we understand, we care, and we are here for you. I stand in silence to observe this day. ____________________
