GLSEN Congratulates Sen. Kirk on Return to Senate

NEW YORK - GLSEN congratulates U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) on his return to the Senate on Thursday following a long recovery from a stroke he suffered last January.

Sen. Kirk has worked closely with GLSEN and shown tremendous leadership on safe schools issues in the previous two Congresses. In March 2011, Sen. Kirk joined Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) in introducing the Safe Schools Improvement Act in the Senate, critical legislation that would ensure that all students, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students, are protected from bullying and harassment.

"Sen. Kirk has been a champion for LGBT youth and a beacon of hope for bipartisan progress on the serious challenges we must face together as a nation," said GLSEN Executive Director Eliza Byard. "We are thrilled that Sen. Kirk has returned to the Senate and look forward to continuing to work with him and his staff in the 113th Congress."

ABOUT GLSEN
GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Established in 1990, 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.