[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 62 (Wednesday, April 18, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H3492-H3494]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     COMMENDING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE RUTGERS UNIVERSITY WOMEN'S 
                            BASKETBALL TEAM

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 300) commending the achievements of the Rutgers 
University women's basketball team and applauding the character and 
integrity of their student-athletes.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 300

       Whereas under head coach C. Vivian Stringer the Rutgers 
     University Scarlet Knights women's basketball team finished 
     their extraordinary 2006-2007 season with a 27-9 record;
       Whereas after losing four of their first six games the Lady 
     Knights refused to give up and spent their Winter Break in 
     the gym honing their skills and working to become a better 
     team for the rest the season;
       Whereas on March 6, 2007, Rutgers upset top-seeded 
     University of Connecticut for their first-ever Big East 
     Championship title;
       Whereas the young women displayed great talent in their run 
     to the Final Four of the women's National Collegiate Athletic 
     Association (NCAA) tournament;
       Whereas five freshmen played an integral role in the team's 
     march to the championship game;  
       Whereas the Lady Knights showed enormous composure with 
     tournament wins against teams playing in their home States;
       Whereas through hard work and determination this young team 
     fought through improbable odds to reach the NCAA title game;
       Whereas the team was just the 3d number 4 seed in history 
     to reach the championship;
       Whereas the Lady Knights made school history as the first 
     athletic team from Rutgers to play for any national 
     championship;
       Whereas during those 3 weeks, the Scarlet Knights brought 
     excitement to the NCAA tournament and captured the hearts of 
     basketball fans throughout New Jersey and across the Nation;
       Whereas Rutgers students, alumni, faculty, and staff, along 
     with countless New Jerseyans are immensely proud of what the 
     team accomplished this past season;
       Whereas the members of the team are excellent 
     representatives of Rutgers University and of the State of New 
     Jersey;
       Whereas these young women are outstanding individuals who 
     are striving to reach lifetime goals both on and off the 
     basketball court;
       Whereas the Lady Knights epitomize the term student-athlete 
     with a combined B+ grade point average;
       Whereas by excelling in academics, music, and community 
     service, Katie Adams, Matee Ajavon, Essence Carson, Dee Dee 
     Jernigan, Rashidat Junaid, Myia McCurdy, Epiphanny Prince, 
     Judith Brittany Ray, Kia Vaughn, and Heather Zurich are great 
     role models for young women across the Nation; and
       Whereas the Lady Knights embody integrity, leadership and 
     class: Now therefore be it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
       (1) commends the amazing performance of Rutgers University 
     women's basketball team in the NCAA tournament; and
       (2) expresses its admiration for the achievements and 
     character of this team of remarkable young women;

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Payne) and the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey.


                             General Leave

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Members may have 
5 legislative days during which Members may insert material relevant to 
H.R. 300 into the Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New Jersey?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, as a representative from New Jersey, I am 
pleased to rise here in the United States House of Representatives to 
praise the remarkable young women of Rutgers University, the Rutgers 
women's basketball team, the Scarlet Knights, and their inspiration, 
Coach C. Vivian Stringer. They are true champions, not only for their 
academic and athletic achievement, but for the dignity, strength and 
class they have shown during this ordeal.
  These 10 young women overcame disappointing losses early in the 
season to advance amazingly to the Final Four. They lost four out of 
their first seven games. But around the Nation, fans watched as the 
Scarlet Knights of Rutgers, who lost four of their first seven games, 
defeated Duke's Blue Devils in the last seconds in an exciting 53-52 
upset, the same team that had lost to Duke by 20 points earlier in the 
season. This victory followed a lopsided defeat of the very strong LSU 
women's team by a 59-35 score.
  When the ugly incident with Don Imus on his morning show cast a 
shadow over their success, these young women showed what they are made 
of. In standing up for themselves and their school, they also made a 
stand on behalf of all young women who insist on being treated with 
respect and refused to be insulted, as Don Imus did to them, and 
stereotyped, as he used these disparaging words to describe these 
wonderful young women.

                              {time}  1130

  Don Imus and those of his ilk vastly underestimated New Jersey's 
strong and proud Scarlet Knights. He underestimated the pride we in New 
Jersey feel in the remarkable women of this remarkable team. As a 
matter of fact, during the 13 original States, New Jersey had a theme, 
and it just said: Do not tread on us. And that meant we are a proud, 
small State, but do not mess with us. Don Imus did not know the history 
of New Jersey.
  Don Imus may have had a microphone, but he was no match for these 
young women and their coach who so eloquently spoke up for what is 
right and what is fair. I am so proud that through their action they 
were able to persuade two major networks, MSNBC and CBS, as well as 
numerous advertisers that the days of using the public airwaves to 
ridicule and debase anyone they choose are over. He did not realize 
that these women, as I said, at that initial press conference, that 
they had, with the 10 of them, all underclass persons, dressed in their 
uniforms, sitting up proud, people who will be future

[[Page H3493]]

lawyers and musicians, all top students. As they spoke, as they 
introduced themselves, it was just a joy, and so Don Imus really did a 
favor to these young women because it gave America a chance to put a 
face with a name, to listen to what he said and what he called them and 
to see just the quality of these young people.
  Let me add that it is time that the Federal Communications Commission 
start doing its job by halting the use of racial and gender slurs over 
the public airwaves. As long as there is weak enforcement, there will 
continue to be hate language used by the so-called shock jocks.
  As a matter of fact, there was a great outcry when at the Super Bowl 
there was an indecent of exposure, and there were fines levied because 
there was some equipment failure, and therefore, there was an outrage 
of indecency.
  However, it is allowed for people to say whatever they want to say. 
As a matter of fact, in countries, radio has been used to foster hate. 
As in Rwanda, it was hate radio, Radio Colline, that went on to say, 
let us get this genocide going; you know what those people look like, 
go and get them. And it was the radio that pushed this, and so we have 
to be careful about what we allow to happen on the airwaves. History 
has shown us that words matter, and when society accepts ugly language, 
ugly incidents will follow.
  I call on the networks to examine their record of hiring minorities 
for top on-air and executive positions so that African Americans are 
fairly represented in the media. One reason that the networks made the 
decision to discontinue the Imus show was that the network employees 
let the management know how disturbed and offended and embarrassed they 
were to work for that company. That was the overriding factor, and then 
the sponsors said that they would withdraw their sponsorship.
  And so we will not allow these demeaning commentaries to continue. I 
once again applaud those young women and their fine coach from the 
Scarlet Knights at Rutgers University.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution to honor the 
women's basketball team at Rutgers University for their incredible 
accomplishments on the court, as well as their courage and integrity 
off the court.
  Led by head coach Vivian Stringer, the Scarlet Knights won their 
first ever Big East conference tournament championship this year and 
advanced to the national championship in Cleveland just 2 weeks ago. 
Though they lost that game to the University of Tennessee, these young 
women made the 2006-2007 season one to remember for Rutgers students, 
alumni and fans.
  Unfortunately, just hours after the national championship game, they 
were confronted with some disheartening comments by a radio 
personality. Throughout all the media coverage that followed these 
comments, these young women handled themselves with an impressive 
amount of integrity, with grace and with strong character. As a result, 
it is their accomplishments on the court, not the comments off the 
court, for which they should and will be remembered.
  Mr. Speaker, the Rutgers University women's basketball team is 
comprised of student athletes in the truest sense. They have an 
impressive collective grade point average, a solid selection of majors 
and a record in the classroom that matches their great work on the 
hardwood. On the court, these young women have dedicated themselves to 
improving and honing their skills through many hours of practice both 
during the school year and during academic recesses.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Scarlet Knights on these 
accomplishments and wish them the best of luck in all they will take on 
in the future, and again, I am pleased to honor these young women 
through this resolution. I believe they have set an example from which 
many other collegiate athletes can learn.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from New Jersey, from the Sixth District (Mr. Pallone) whose 
district is the New Brunswick Rutgers. Newark Rutgers is in my 
district, and I know Camden Rutgers is in your district, Mr. Speaker. 
So we yield to the gentleman.
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my friend Donald Payne for 
the introduction and for the comments that he made.
  Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to be the sponsor of this resolution 
honoring the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights women's basketball 
team, and I applaud their character and integrity. These remarkable 
young women are a class act, and I am proud to represent them and 
Rutgers University here in Congress.
  Rutgers had a Cinderella season that saw them come back from some 
devastating early season losses, including a 40-point loss to Duke 
University. In fact, after losing four of their first six games, the 
Scarlet Knights refused to give up and spent their winter break in the 
gym honing their skills and working to become a better team for the 
rest of the season.
  Under head coach V. Vivian Stringer, the Scarlet Knights finished 
their extraordinary season with a 27-9 record. To cap it off, Rutgers 
upset top-seeded University of Connecticut for their first ever Big 
East championship title. They had lost to UConn twice in the regular 
season.
  During the NCAA tournament, they upset top-seeded Duke University in 
the second round and remained poised with wins against teams playing in 
their home States. The team brought excitement to the tournament and 
captured the hearts of basketball fans throughout New Jersey and across 
the Nation. Through hard work and determination, this young team fought 
through improbable odds to reach their first ever NCAA title game.
  A day after their loss, outrageous comments were made about the team 
by Don Imus on his CBS radio and MSNBC show. Afterwards, the team 
showed great courage in choosing to meet with him so he could see 
firsthand how wrong his sexist and racist comments were. During this 
emotionally and mentally exhausting ordeal, these remarkable young 
women maintained enormous composure as they became media headlines for 
controversy.
  The Scarlet Knights women basketball players are excellent 
representatives of Rutgers University and of the State of New Jersey. 
By striving to reach lifetime goals, both on and off the basketball 
court, they are great role models for student athletes across the 
Nation. Even with a grueling sports schedule, the players have managed 
their priorities well. They have maintained academic excellence with a 
combined B-plus grade point average and are actively involved in the 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, these women are the future leaders of tomorrow. Last 
week, when faced with adversity, they proved their promise when they 
stood in front of the entire Nation with dignity and grace.
  I think I can speak for Rutgers students, alumni, faculty and staff 
along with my colleagues here and countless New Jerseyans when I say, 
we are immensely proud of this team. They deserve to be honored for 
their hard work, dedication and heart.
  I am hopeful that my colleagues will recognize these fine women by 
passing this resolution today.

                              {time}  1140

  Mr. PAYNE. Does the gentleman from California have any further 
speakers?
  Mr. McKEON. We have no more speakers. Do you have any?
  Mr. PAYNE. We have no additional speakers.
  Let me conclude by thanking the gentleman from California and 
thanking my colleague from New Jersey. We commend the young Scarlet 
Knights for the outstanding job that they did.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of 
H.R. 300, which congratulates the Rutgers University Women's Basketball 
Team, coached by the incomparable C. Vivian Stringer, on their 
extraordinary basketball achievements and applauds their character and 
integrity as student-athletes. The Rutgers Lady Scarlet Knights women's 
basketball team embodies all that is great about women's sports: 
intelligence, toughness, tenacity, leadership and, most of all, class.
  The Lady Scarlet Knights also showed the power of athletics in 
unifying a community, be it Rutgers University, the entire state of New 
Jersey, or the United States.

[[Page H3494]]

  That is why it was so disheartening that certain individuals would 
take this occasion to utter a few disgusting and divisive comments. I 
strongly condemned those words. There is absolutely no excuse for that 
kind of conduct, and Don Imus was right to apologize.
  What we must do now is address this situation as a country. We must 
start a dialogue that not only helps to heal the wounds that this type 
of hateful language renews, but also brings us to a better place as a 
society.
  The Rutgers women's basketball team has been a great inspiration to 
all of us in this country. These young women are some of the best our 
country has to offer, and they set an example for girls all across New 
Jersey and the United States.
  The Lady Scarlet Knights completed a dream season, making it all the 
way to the national championship game where they fell to the Lady Vols 
(34-3) of the University of Tennessee. The Scarlet Knights (27-9) were 
appearing in their first-ever championship contest. They made it to the 
championship game by winning eight consecutive games, including the Big 
East Conference Tournament and the championship of the Greensboro 
Regional.
  The Lady Scarlet Knights are champions. Congratulations to C. Vivian 
Stringer, her coaching staff and her exceptional basketball team.
  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the chorus of voices in 
commending the achievements of the Rutgers University women's 
basketball team and applauding the character and integrity of their 
student-athletes in the face of unmitigated outrage and public 
humiliation.
  This is to thank these young women--and their coach--for the life 
lessons they taught all of us, both on and off the basketball court. 
Their stoic dignity and remarkable grace under tremendous pressure and 
embarrassment were nothing short of a central moment in our national 
life.
  I may be the only one who didn't listen to Don Imus' radio show--I've 
never been a fan of talk radio, particularly talk radio that exists to 
exacerbate the pathology of hate speech among us that pointedly seeks 
to diminish our fellow citizens because of race or gender.
  Many people find that funny. I don't . . . and submit that if 
something is truly funny, everybody laughs. When an audience sucks in 
their breath in horror, they are not amused.
  Free speech? Of course it is, and anybody in this country can say 
anything they want to, anytime they wish, and they can be as hateful or 
mean as they choose to be. But, Imus' show went out over the public 
airwaves--owned by all of us--and was supported by advertisers at MSNBC 
and CBS. Free speech does not mean you can hurt people over the public 
airwaves, and it does not mean advertisers must continue to support 
that hateful speech. So let us not blur the issue on that.
  The young ladies of the Rutgers women's basketball team overcame all 
the odds to get to the final game of the NCAA women's championship, and 
they came heartbreakingly close to winning the national championship. 
Their grace and extraordinary sportsmanship was first evident at that 
game and afterwards . . . then under the glare of the national 
spotlight as objects of Imus' cruel ridicule.
  It is important to note here that it was the advertisers on Imus' 
show that showed the most backbone in pulling their ads, essentially 
saying: our consumers don't appreciate this, goodbye. Had they not 
pulled their ads, Imus would have completed the familiar cycle of 
apology and continued ridicule of women and minorities in the name of 
humor.
  The advertisers could not help but be moved by the image of these 
student athletes calmly relating how the words that hurt so much 
affected them. Their quiet dignity moved this nation--and was the exact 
opposite image of a shock jock trying mightily to hold onto a job so he 
could continue to make fun of them and many other minorities.
  I thank these young women--and the leadership of their coach--in 
teaching all of us a lesson in how this nation treats all our citizens, 
how we use the public airwaves, and the power of consumers with 
advertisers in winnowing out that which is hateful entertainment.
  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the Rutgers women's 
basketball team for making all New Jerseyans proud through their 
athletic and academic achievements, as well as through the 
intelligence, dignity, and class that they showed in response to 
hateful, racist, and sexist remarks made about and against them. As one 
of two Members of Congress who represents Rutgers University here in 
Congress, I would like to pay tribute to them.
  The Scarlet Knights had a remarkable season, winning 27 games on 
their way to the national championship game. The Big East Champions 
played hard and displayed all the attributes of a championship team--
hustle, dedication, skill, and teamwork. But what distinguished this 
team most, in my opinion, is not what happened during the season, but 
after it.
  It is unfortunate that the end of this amazing season was marked not 
by a celebration of their achievements on the basketball court and in 
the classroom, but by ignorant, racist, and sexist remarks by a radio 
personality. The players and coaches were understandably hurt and 
angry, and their reaction to these hateful words shows why all New 
Jerseyans deserve to be proud.
  The players and Coach Vivian Stringer reacted with restraint, 
eloquence, and dignity. They engaged with the person who had insulted 
them. They told their personal views of why his words were so hurtful 
and inappropriate, and they accepted his apology. I hope that this 
incident will lead to a broader dialogue about race relations in this 
country. I look forward to working with community and religious 
leaders, elected officials, and others in New Jersey to foster an 
atmosphere where such comments are not only condemned, but do not 
happen in the first place.
  We hold up college athletics not for the entertainment of alumni and 
fans, but because we believe athletic participation builds character. 
These women of the Rutgers basketball team showed that they have 
character.
  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
the Rutgers University women's basketball team on their outstanding 
2006-2007 season.
  As highlighted in this resolution, the Lady Knights sacrificed their 
own personal vacations over winter break to stay at school and train 
for their well-deserved victories in 2007.
  It is this dedication that gained them the Big East Championship 
title and a spot in the women's NCAA final four. It also made them the 
very first athletic team from Rutgers to earn a spot playing in a 
national championship. Their hard work, perseverance, and extraordinary 
skill have set an excellent example for athletes everywhere: women and 
men alike. And, as the national media spotlight turned on them in the 
wake of the ugly remarks by radio shock jock Don Imus, they maintained 
the same poise and grace under pressure that they exhibited on the 
court.
  I would especially like to extend my congratulations to sophomore, 
Heather Zurich of Montvale, New Jersey. Her performance with the Lady 
Knights as forward was an integral component to the team's success this 
season.
  The Rutgers University women's basketball team is a great source of 
pride to their campus and all of us New Jerseyans. I applaud their 
accomplishments and look forward to hearing of their future successes.
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this resolution, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 300.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this question will 
be postponed.

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