[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 113 (Thursday, July 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1475]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING REPRESENTATIVE ROGER WENDT FOR HIS WORK ON THE IOWA SAFE 
                              SCHOOLS ACT

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                        HON. LEONARD L. BOSWELL

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 29, 2010

  Mr. BOSWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise to commend State Representative 
Roger Wendt, former Chair of the Iowa House Education Committee for his 
work protecting Iowa's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) 
students from bullying and harassment in schools and communities. All 
students need a safe, supportive environment in which to learn, 
regardless of gender or sexual orientation. There is extensive evidence 
that LGBT students are disproportionately targets for harassment and 
discrimination in schools. The climate of fear experienced by LGBT 
students frequently results in increased absenteeism, decreased 
academic performance and increased risk of suicide and other high-risk 
behaviors.
  On September 1, 2010, Iowa Safe Schools will recognize Alicia 
Claypool, State Representative Roger Wendt, and State Senator Mike 
Connolly for all their work protecting Iowa's LGBT students and all 
other students from bullying and harassment. This date will mark the 
3rd year anniversary of the Iowa Safe Schools Law going into effect. 
This legislation protects Iowa's 500,000 students from bullying and 
harassment in our schools on the basis of 17 categories which include 
sexual orientation and gender identity.
  Representative Wendt led the fight in the Iowa House for this 
critical piece of legislation. His years-long efforts resulted in its 
bi-partisan passage in February 2007. Iowa educators, administrators, 
and other policy makers hold Representative Wendt in high esteem for 
his tireless commitment to improving the lives of Iowa youth. Parents, 
community leaders, and students have been well-served by this advocate 
for equality, and I am proud to honor him.

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