[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E566]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF A RESOLUTION HONORING OPERATION RESPECT, THE ``DON'T 
                LAUGH AT ME'' PROGRAM, AND PETER YARROW

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 25, 2003

  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to submit 
a bipartisan resolution, together with seventeen of my colleagues in 
the House, recognizing the accomplishments of Operation Respect and of 
Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary, who founded and helps to promote 
this outstanding program nationwide.
  Operation Respect and its ``Don't Laugh At Me'' initiative are 
helping to promote anti-bullying, compassion and tolerance among 
children in after-school programs and children's camps. The ``Don't 
Laugh At Me'' program has been presented in 230 workshops in dozens of 
congressional districts. Over 18,000 educators in 27 states have 
received its training materials and professionally-developed 
curriculum. As we all know, Mr. Yarrow has described in words and song 
the program's goal and objective to enthusiastic meetings of the 
Republican Conference and the Democratic Caucus of the United States 
House of Representatives.
  The ``Don't Laugh At Me'' program uses character education to promote 
the social and emotional growth in children. When a child has fewer 
worries of bullying and intolerant classmates, that child is able to 
focus on schoolwork as well as create new bonds with fellow students. 
It is no wonder that teachers, parents and students alike have given 
very high marks to the ``Don't Laugh At Me'' program.
  Many organizations have commended Operation Respect and the ``Don't 
Laugh At Me'' program, including the National Conference of State 
Legislatures, who passed a resolution in August of 2001 that recognized 
the value of Operation Respect. Major educational organizations 
supporting this important initiative include the National Association 
of Elementary School Principals, National Association of Secondary 
School Principals, American Association of School Administrators, 
Council of Great City Colleges of Education, National Education 
Association, Council of Great City Schools, American School Counselors 
Association, National School Boards Association, National Middle School 
Association, and the American Federation of Teachers.
  The House should recognize the achievements of Operation Respect and 
Peter Yarrow in helping to make schools and camps safer, more tolerant, 
more learning-friendly environments for our children. I would hope that 
the House would be able to consider this bipartisan resolution in the 
near future.

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