[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 207 (Tuesday, December 19, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1727-E1728]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TESTIMONY OF ANNA GOLDFARB

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. BRIAN K. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 19, 2017

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record testimony of 
Anna Goldfarb.

       Mr. Speaker, distinguished members of Congress and fellow 
     citizens, good afternoon. My name is Anna Goldfarb and I am a 
     student in the Council Rock School District. I am very 
     honored to be speaking before you today about diversity and 
     inclusion issues at my Bucks County, Pennsylvania school. I 
     attend a school where most of the students look like me. I 
     have heard many times from classmates and teachers that 
     discrimination is not a problem within our district. It 
     wasn't until the last couple of years, when I became old 
     enough and opened my eyes and ears, did I see and hear that 
     improvement is needed.
       I do not think that most teachers and students are trying 
     to be hurtful to students of color, different religions, 
     genders, or sexual orientation. I also don't think that my 
     friends who do not speak up in the face of discrimination are 
     choosing to stand with those that discriminate.

[[Page E1728]]

       I do believe that when we know better, we do better. I have 
     made it my mission to call out discrimination when I see or 
     hear it. I will always link arms with those being targeted 
     and stand up for them when they are scared to do it alone.
       I would like diversity and inclusion training to be added 
     to our curriculum. We won't always attend school in this 
     district, in this ``bubble.'' We need to be prepared to 
     become global citizens. We need to be prepared and empowered 
     to stand up and link arms.

                          ____________________