The White House has just announced that it is endorsing the Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA) and the Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA), two bills that will protect LGBT students in the U.S.
"The President and his Administration have taken many steps to address the issue of bullying," White House spokesperson Shin Inouye informed Metro Weekly. "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."
Metro Weekly further explains the two pieces of legislation that have just received Obama's support:
The SSIA would amend the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act to include bullying- and harassment-prevention programs, including ones based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The SNDA, modeled after Title IX, would add sexual orientation and gender identity to federal education nondiscrimination law.
The timing of the news couldn't be better for the White House, which is fighting off harsh criticism after refusing to protect LGBT workers from discrimination in federal contracting employment.
(Source: Metro Weekly)
Good Morning,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Billy Smith. I am from Jackson, Mississippi. I am currently overseas at the moment with the Military (United States Marine Corps). My message pertains to the Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA). Representative Jared Polis [D-CO2] spponsered this bill in the house and Senator Franken sponsored this bill in the Senate. April 20, 2012 the Obama Administration endorsed support for the SNDA.
The purpose according to the written text of the SNDA is "to ensure that all students have access to public education in a safe environment free from discrimination, including harassment, bullying, intimidation and violence, on the the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity..."
I created this YouTube video in hopes that every member of Congress and the American People will be able to watch it and understand the reason for support of SNDA and will also support SNDA. I hope that you will take the time to watch the video. The link is provided below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AJ-hJgXUGE&hd=1
***PLEASE WATCH & SHARE on your blogs, pages, Facebook, and or twitter.***
It is titled "Members of CONGRESS & America act: Support the Student Non-discrimination Act " When I was in high school, middle school and late elementary school, I experienced the bullying in bad forms simply because I am gay. I understand what some of the students are going through in public school who my be subjected to bullying for various reasons. That is partially the reason I so strongly support SNDA.
Please watch.
Thank you,
Billy A. Smith