GLSEN Statement on ‘Every Child Achieves Act of 2015’

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Kari Hudnell Media Relations Manager press@glsen.org 646-388-6575

GLSEN Statement on ‘Every Child Achieves Act of 2015’

NEW YORK (April 7, 2015) – GLSEN’s Executive Director, Dr. Eliza Byard, made the following statement on the release of the ‘Every Child Achieves Act of 2015’ (ECAA), the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee’s proposed bill for reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

“We thank Senate HELP Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and Senate HELP Ranking Member Patty Murray, D-Wa., for their work in developing the bi-partisan ECAA. We will continue our work with supporters in Congress to ensure that the final bill includes language that requires all public K-12 schools to enact anti-bullying and non-discrimination policies, with protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

“According to GLSEN’s latest National School Climate Survey, the only national survey of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) middle and high school students in the country, 85 percent of LGBT students were verbally harassed in the past year. Nearly 40 percent were physically harassed in the past year because of their sexual orientation and nearly 25 percent because of their gender identity/expression. If we are committed to every child achieving in our schools, bullying and discrimination protections for all students must be a part of the solution.”

About GLSEN

GLSEN is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe and affirming schools for all students. Celebrating its 25th year, 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.