GSA Network Lauds White House Endorsement of Essential Protections for LGBT Students

GSA Network Lauds White House Endorsement of Essential Protections for LGBT Students:

President Obama Supports Student Non-Discrimination Act and Safe Schools Improvement Act

After months of advocacy by LGBT youth and community activists, the White House released this statement today in support of two crucial bills to end harassment and bullying based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression:

“The President and his Administration have taken many steps to address the issue of bullying. He is proud to support the Student Non-Discrimination Act, introduced by Senator Franken and Congressman Polis, and the Safe Schools Improvement Act, introduced by Senator Casey and Congresswoman Linda Sanchez. These bills will help ensure that all students are safe and healthy and can learn in environments free from discrimination, bullying and harassment.”

This incredible announcement follows a series of actions by the administration to make schools safer, including a Department of Education letter in support of Gay-Straight Alliance clubs. GSA Network thanks President Obama for his commitment to creating schools that allow all students, including LGBT students, to thrive.

“We are thrilled that the President has listened to the needs of LGBT youth and sent a clear message to legislators and schools nationwide that all students deserve the legal right to a safe place to learn,” said Carolyn Laub, Executive Director of Gay-Straight Alliance Network. “Young people in Gay-Straight Alliance clubs across the country have worked tirelessly in support of these two bills, and the President’s decision today makes clear that their voices cannot and will not be ignored.”

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Gay-Straight Alliance Network (GSA Network) is a national youth leadership organization that empowers youth activists to fight homophobia and transphobia in schools by training student leaders and supporting student-led Gay-Straight Alliance clubs throughout the country. In California alone, GSA Network has brought GSA clubs to 56% of public high schools, impacting more than 1.1 million students at 870 schools. GSA Network's youth advocates have played a key role in changing laws and policies that impact youth at the local and state level. GSA Network operates the National Association of GSA Networks, which unites 35 statewide networks of GSA clubs throughout the country. GSA Network is also the founder of the Make It Better Project, which aims to stop bullying and prevent suicide. www.gsanetwork.org [1]

Press Contact: Jill Marcellus
Phone: 415.375.9526, Email: jill@gsanetwork.org [2]