Linda Sánchez, GLSEN Push Anti-Bullying Legislation

Press Release

This morning, Rep. Linda Sánchez (CA-38) joined the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and students from across the country to push for passage of her Safe Schools Improvement Act. The legislation would require school districts to adopt codes of conduct specifically prohibiting bullying and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and religion.

"As a mother, the national bullying statistics break my heart. As a legislator, I know there is more we can do to protect our children from this type of harassment at schools," said Rep. Sánchez. "We need legislation like the Safe Schools Improvement Act to ensure all our children have a safe learning environment where they can learn without the threat of harassment."

Today's press conference is a lead up to GLSEN's National Day of Silence, which seeks to raise awareness about the bullying and harassment of LGBT students.

"As we prepare to observe the National Day of Silence, I am proud to lend my voice to raise awareness about the prevalence of bullying in our schools. Every day students are bullied into silence and are too afraid to speak up. Let's help break this silence and put an end to school bullying. I urge my colleagues to join me in pushing this bill through the House to give students the promise of safer schools."

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