[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E707]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 H. CON. RES. 328, SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF THE NATIONAL DAY 
OF SILENCE WITH RESPECT TO ANTI-LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER 
 NAME-CALLING, BULLYING, AND HARASSMENT FACED BY INDIVIDUALS IN SCHOOLS

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                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 23, 2008

  Mr. McGOVERN. Madam Speaker, on April 25, 2008, the 12th annual 
National Day of Silence will be observed. I am proud to be an original 
cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 328, which supports the goals and ideals of 
the National Day of Silence.
  Despite many misperceptions out there, the reason this day exists is 
to bring attention to the harassment, bullying, and outright abuse 
towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transsexual (LGBT) students at 
schools and campuses across our country.
  Four out of five LGBT students experience harassment at schools. 
Recent studies show that two of the top three reasons students are 
harassed in school are actual or perceived sexual orientation and 
gender expression.
  The goal of the National Day of Silence is to make schools safer and 
supportive for every student, regardless of sexual orientation or 
gender expression. It's important to recognize that hundreds of 
thousands of students of all beliefs, backgrounds, and sexual 
orientations participate in this day.
  Harassment and abuse affects all students, and hopefully through this 
inclusive, collective effort can this hatred be quieted, and eventually 
silenced.

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