Dr. Jill Biden to Speak at GLSEN's Respect Awards - New York Gala

NEW YORK, May 13, 2009 - GLSEN is very pleased to announce confirmation of a very special guest at the Respect Awards - New York gala: Dr. Jill Biden, wife of the Vice President and a lifelong educator. Dr. Biden will also provide brief remarks at the gala dinner, which will be held at Gotham Hall in New York City on June 1. GLSEN is excited to welcome someone with a long history of working with and advocating for young people, particularly some of the students most vulnerable to bullying and harassment.

Dr. Biden has been an educator for the past 28 years and continues to teach English classes at a DC-area community college. Prior to moving to Washington, Dr. Biden taught English full-time at Delaware Technical and Community College for 15 years. Before that, she taught for 13 years in public schools as a reading specialist and English teacher, as well as working part-time with the Rockford Psychiatric Hospital Adolescent Program.

Dr. Biden has a long history of activism and service in her community and she continues to work to raise awareness on education, military families, and women's health issues. GLSEN's Respect Awards recognize individual and corporate leaders who have helped propel GLSEN's efforts to ensure safe schools for all of America's students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

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 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.