Education Secretary Mentions Day of Silence in Statement on School Safety

NEW YORK, April 17, 2009 - Education Secretary Arne Duncan today released a statement on student safety in which he referenced GLSEN's 13th annual National Day of Silence and last week's suicide of 11-year-old Carl Walker-Hoover.

Also, tune to ABC's World News with Charlie Gibson tonight at 6:30 p.m. and CNN's AC360 at 10 p.m. for coverage of the Day of Silence and Carl Walker-Hoover.

http://www.edgovblogs.org/duncan/2009/04/statement-on-student-safety/

Statement on Student Safety

"Yesterday, many Americans paused to remember the senseless death of 32 students at Virginia Tech in 2007. Today, many Americans will honor the Day of Silence called for on behalf of victims of harassment and bullying around issues of sexual orientation, including a recent suicide who would have turned 12 today. On Monday, we will memorialize the Columbine High School victims from a decade ago. Through these painful remembrances, we must all acknowledge our collective role and responsibility in preventing student deaths and ensuring that our schools and universities remain safe havens of learning."

Secretary Arne Duncan

About GLSEN
GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Established nationally in 1995, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. GLSEN, sponsor of the Think Before You Speak national public service advertising campaign, seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes to creating a more vibrant and diverse community. For information on GLSEN's research, educational resources, public policy advocacy, student organizing programs and educator training initiatives, visit www.glsen.org.