[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 22 (Monday, February 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E183]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO LAWRENCE ``LARRY'' KING

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LOIS CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 22, 2010

  Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my 
constituent, Lawrence ``Larry'' King.
  Two years ago this week, Larry was shot by a fellow student while at 
school in Oxnard, CA.
  He died 2 days later. The police classified his murder as a hate 
crime.
  He was 15 years old.
  In addition to our local community, almost 200 vigils in all 50 
States were held to honor Larry's life.
  Two years later, Larry's death continues to remind us of the violence 
and harassment directed at lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender 
people every day.
  This violence is unacceptable anywhere and particularly painful in 
our schools.
  I think every American believes all our children deserve an education 
free from bullying, harassment, discrimination and violence.
  In honor of Larry and all LGBT students, I would like to encourage my 
colleagues to support the Student Non-Discrimination Act.
  This important bill establishes a comprehensive Federal prohibition 
of discrimination in public schools based on actual or perceived sexual 
orientation or gender identity.
  We know that bullying deprives students of equal educational 
opportunities.
  It also causes high rates of absenteeism, dropout, adverse health 
consequences, and academic underachievement among LGBT youth.
  Without interference, bullying and discrimination leads to life-
threatening violence and suicide.
  Also, when school officials engage in discriminatory treatment, or 
are indifferent to harassing behavior, LGBT students' constitutional 
rights are infringed.
  This is deplorable.
  In Larry's memory, we owe our children nothing less than a safe 
environment and the support they need to learn most effectively.

                          ____________________