[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 60 (Monday, April 16, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E742]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN HONOR OF THE EQUALITY RIDERS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JERROLD NADLER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 16, 2007

  Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
extraordinary group of young adults--The Equality Riders--who have 
dedicated 2 months of their lives, traveling thousands of miles, 
visiting 32 colleges and universities around the country and talking to 
countless students, faculty members and staff in pursuit of social 
justice.
  The spirit of The Equality Ride was born out of the recognition that 
homophobia is globally pervasive and that no country, state, city, 
community or school escapes its reach. The Equality Ride offers a 
unique opportunity for student activists to dedicate their time and 
energy in the pursuit of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered 
equality through the practice of nonviolent resistance and educational 
campaigns.
  I embrace the spirit of The Equality Ride and these leaders in the 
fight for social justice. The participants of the Equality Ride as well 
as its supporters have changed numerous lives, raised awareness and 
challenged notions regarding homosexuality through both on and off 
campus activities.
  While conducting their work on the various campuses, riders confront 
some of their harshest critics and engage in structured dialogue with 
the academic community through classroom presentations, panel 
discussions, school-wide forums and film screenings as well as informal 
interactions. Outside of the college and university campuses, 
communities have welcomed the riders to share in worship, potlucks, 
fundraisers and meetings.
  I applaud these riders and their supporters who have tirelessly waged 
a campaign of truth based on the nonviolent practices of Dr. Martin 
Luther King, Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi to end the cycle of fear and 
misunderstanding that causes this vicious form of prejudice. As the 
Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and 
Civil Liberties, it is my great honor to pay tribute to these visionary 
young people and congratulate them on their courage, determination and 
dedication.

                          ____________________