[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 161 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                        April 29, 2003.
Whereas Operation Respect is a nonprofit organization engaged in a national 
        effort to transform participating schools, after-school programs, and 
        children's summer camps into more compassionate and respectful 
        environments through its ``Don't Laugh At Me'' program materials that 
        address the issues of emotional and physical violence among children;
Whereas Operation Respect has conducted 230 workshops, reaching over 18,000 
        educators in 27 States and distributing 50,000 copies of its 
        professionally developed curriculum;
Whereas representatives of this organization have appeared before over 240 
        educational organizations in 36 States on behalf of Operation Respect, 
        as well as before the Republican conference and Democratic caucus of the 
        United States House of Representatives;
Whereas the ``Don't Laugh At Me'' program increases mutual respect and 
        fellowship among hundreds of thousands of elementary school children, 
        creating an environment for students that improves focus on academic 
        achievement and encourages an atmosphere of respect and responsibility;
Whereas the ``Don't Laugh At Me'' camp programs have made the environment at 
        summer camps safer and more secure for children by creating a greater 
        sense of responsibility, justice and fairness;
Whereas the ``Don't Laugh At Me'' programs have made a significant impact on 
        schools and camps through a curriculum of character education and social 
        and emotional learning;
Whereas the overwhelming majority of students participating in a recent survey 
        concluded that the ``Don't Laugh At Me'' program was a valuable and 
        beneficial experience and resulted in a diminution of negative behaviors 
        such as bullying, and increased openness and trust;
Whereas counselors and campers alike who participated in the ``Don't Laugh At 
        Me'' programs agreed that the programs were effective, enjoyable, and 
        positively influenced the academic and character education of the 
        children;
Whereas the success of Operation Respect and the ``Don't Laugh At Me'' programs 
        has been recognized by the National Conference of State Legislatures and 
        various educational associations, including the National Association of 
        Elementary School Principals, the National Association of Secondary 
        School Principals, the American Association of School Administrators, 
        the Council of Great City Colleges of Education, the National Education 
        Association, the Council of Great City Schools, the American School 
        Counselors Association, the National School Boards Association, the 
        National Middle School Association, and the American Federation of 
        Teachers; and
Whereas the National Conference of State Legislatures passed a resolution on 
        August 12, 2001, encouraging funding and other support from States for 
        professional development of educators in this arena and recognizing the 
        contributions of Operation Respect in advancing State legislative 
        initiatives to expand social and emotional learning and character 
        education programs: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That Operation Respect and the ``Don't Laugh At Me'' program are 
commended for their major contributions to the sound academic focus, character 
development, and improved physical safety of children throughout the United 
States.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.