[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 113 (Thursday, July 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1477-E1478]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING ALICIA CLAYPOOL FOR HER WORK ON THE IOWA SAFE SCHOOLS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. LEONARD L. BOSWELL

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 29, 2010

  Mr. BOSWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise to commend Alicia Claypool, Chair 
of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission on her 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, 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.
  Without the efforts of Alicia, this law would not have passed, and 
Iowa Safe Schools, an organization committed to protecting Iowa's 
students would not exist. Iowans can never thank Alicia enough for all 
her efforts in creating and fighting for those without a voice.

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