Rep. Eliot Engel introduced a resolution (H. Con. Res.
346) to highlight The National Day of Silence – a day that students all
across this country take a vow of silence to bring attention to the
discrimination and violence faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
(LGBT) students. Last year, thousands of students at over 300 high schools
and colleges across the nation took part, and thousands more will
participate this year on April 10.
"Tragically, violence and discrimination against LGBT youth is common in our
schools. No student should ever feel threatened in school simply because of
their sexual-orientation," said Rep. Engel. He added, "I am proud to
introduce this resolution because Americans need to know that countless
young people throughout this country are deprived of a happy adolescence
because of the hurt inflicted upon them by their fellow pupils, teachers and
parents."
According to the 2001 National School Climate Survey issued by the Gay,
Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), more than 83% of young
people have experienced verbal harassment and more than 40% of young people
have encountered physical violence in their schools during the previous
year. The constant victimization and harassment of these young people often
goes unnoticed because only seven states have laws to protect lesbian, gay
and bisexual students and only two states have statewide laws to protect
transgender students from harassment in schools.
Rep. Engel said, "Our children go to school to learn. As a former public
school teacher, I know they cannot learn if they are in constant fear of
harassment." He concluded, "I am encouraging all of my colleagues in the
House to join me in supporting this important resolution that can make a
real difference in countless young lives."
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