Kerry Co-Sponsors Student Non-Discrimination Act To Help Protect Gay Students In Public Schools

[ProSense]

Kerry Co-Sponsors Student Non-Discrimination Act To Help Protect Gay Students In Public Schools

BOSTON – Senator John Kerry announced he is an original co-sponsor of the Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA) which was introduced by Senator Franken (D-MN) earlier today.

The SNDA would prohibit public schools from discriminating against students based on real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Furthermore, it prohibits schools from ignoring threats and discriminatory actions against gay students.

A study by doctors at Nationwide Children’s Hospital found that LGBT youth are bullied two to three times more often than their heterosexual peers. Studies show that harassment LGBT students experience increases their likelihood of skipping school, underperforming academically and eventually dropping out. It can also have an extremely detrimental effect on their physical and mental health. Left unchecked, this harassment can lead to life-threatening violence and even suicide.

“Just last spring an 11 year-old Springfield boy kill himself because his classmates called him gay. Kids are in school to learn, not to face harassment or violence. We know the devastating consequences that can come when discrimination in school is ignored. I hope with SNDA we can prevent future tragedies,” said Senator John Kerry.

Kerry has long been a supporter of state and federal measures that aim to end discrimination against gays in the workplace and in the military, and to provide equal access to benefits such as health insurance, family medical leave, and other basic legal protections. He has always supported the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).

[pinto]

1. Good news. There's a companion bill in the House as well, by Polis (D-CO)

H.R. 4530

http://www.glsen.org/binary-data/GLSEN_ATTACHMENTS/file/000/001/1580-1.PDF

[ProSense]

4. Thanks. n/t

[politicasista]

2. Kick. Stay true to yourself, Senator

Lots of corrupt crook pols out there. :kick: :patriot:

Just sayin.

[NJmaverick]

3. K & R!

[BlueIris]

5. Ah, my beloved Senator Kerry.

Always working.

[dsc]

6. Arne Duncan and by extension Obama deserve a lot of credit here

I am very unanamoured with Arne Duncan but I do give him props for his position on gay education issues.

[racaulk]

7. This is long overdue.

K&R!

[Mass]

8. List of the 24 co-sponsors.

Sen Franken, Al (introduced 5/20/2010)
Sen Mikulski, Barbara A. - 5/20/2010
Sen Merkley, Jeff - 5/20/2010
Sen Gillibrand, Kirsten E. - 5/20/2010
Sen Kerry, John F. - 5/20/2010
Sen Harkin, Tom - 5/20/2010
Sen Casey, Robert P., Jr. - 5/20/2010
Sen Murray, Patty - 5/20/2010
Sen Bingaman, Jeff - 5/20/2010
Sen Feingold, Russell D. - 5/20/2010
Sen Cardin, Benjamin L. - 5/20/2010
Sen Sanders, Bernard - 5/20/2010
Sen Cantwell, Maria - 5/20/2010
Sen Brown, Sherrod - 5/20/2010
Sen Dodd, Christopher J. - 5/20/2010
Sen Begich, Mark - 5/20/2010
Sen Durbin, Richard - 5/20/2010
Sen Lautenberg, Frank R. - 5/20/2010
Sen Leahy, Patrick J. - 5/20/2010
Sen Menendez, Robert - 5/20/2010
Sen Whitehouse, Sheldon - 5/20/2010
Sen Wyden, Ron - 5/20/2010
Sen Akaka, Daniel K. - 5/20/2010
Sen Klobuchar, Amy - 5/20/2010