President Endorses Linda Sánchez Safe Schools Legislation (April 20, 2012)

Washington, DC –Today, Congresswoman Linda Sánchez(CA-39) released the following statement after President Obama endorsed theSafe Schools Improvement Act, which Congresswoman Sánchez introduced to provideschools with the resources they need to prevent school bullying and reducerising drop-out rates.

"President Obama has taken an active role in bullyingprevention, and I'm honored that he is putting his support behind the SafeSchools Improvement Act," said Congresswoman Sánchez. "Everystudent has the right to a safe learning environment, free from threats andintimidation. Bullying is destructive behavior that not only damages astudent's ability to learn, but also leaves the victims with deep emotionalscars."

The White House released this statement in support ofanti-bullying legislation: "The President and his Administration have takenmany steps to address the issue of bullying. He is proud to support theStudent Non-Discrimination Act, introduced by Senator Franken and CongressmanPolis, and the Safe Schools Improvement Act, introduced by Senator Casey andCongresswoman Linda Sánchez. These bills will help ensure that allstudents are safe and healthy and can learn in environments free from discrimination,bullying and harassment."

The Safe Schools Improvement Act (H.R. 1648) would requireschools and school districts to ban bullying and harassment. This proposedlegislation would ensure that schools protect students, whether they are beingtargeted based on their race, gender, real or perceived sexual orientation, orany other basis.

H.R. 1648 has garnered supportfrom broad range of organizations, including the AmericanFederation of Teachers; the American Library Association; Big Brothers BigSisters of America; the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network; the HumanRights Campaign; and the National Council of La Raza.

Background

Congresswoman Sánchez introduced The Safe SchoolsImprovement Act in the previous two sessions of Congress. Because of herleadership in advancing anti-bullying legislation, Congresswoman Sánchez joinedPresident Obama at a White House conference on bullying prevention in March2011.

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