[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9834]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE MERLO STATION HIGH SCHOOL GAY STRAIGHT ALLIANCE

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                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 22, 2011

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, today, I want to take a moment to honor 
the incredible work of the Merlo Station High School Gay Straight 
Alliance. I had the opportunity to present these aspiring young 
citizens with the Portland Pride Youth Award and want to share with my 
colleagues how inspired I am by their dedication and accomplishments.
  After organizing just last year, the student-led force has been 
instrumental in addressing homophobia at Merlo Station High School, in 
the Beaverton School District and in the broader community. Among many 
other examples of outreach, the Gay Straight Alliance has organized 
student groups to march in last year's Pride Parade and AIDS Walk, 
created a 2-day all-school event for National Coming Out Day, and 
encouraged students to take ownership of their language by developing a 
``No Bigoted Speech'' pledge.
  As we continue to debate many of the current GLBT-related pieces of 
legislation facing the 112th Congress, from the Student and Employee 
Non Discrimination Acts to the Safe Schools Improvement Act, I 
encourage my colleagues to remember these passionate students at Merlo 
Station High School.
  I am inspired by this on-the-ground student organizing and will 
continue championing legislation to advocate for full equality for 
everyone, regardless of their gender expression or sexual orientation, 
because it is the right thing to do.

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