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On the first-ever National Gay-Straight Alliance Day, I want to say thank you to all of the
student leaders and faculty advisors who are doing the courageous work of making campuses
safe places that are free of bullying and harassment.
Harassment and bullying are serious problems at schools and colleges, especially for lesbian,
gay, bisexual, and transgender students. We have to dispel the myth that bullying is just
a normal rite of passage, or an inevitable part of growing up.
President Obama and I believe that we have a collective obligation to ensure that all
our schools are safe for all children. Every single student deserves the opportunity to
learn and grow and achieve their potential, without having to worry about the threat of
harassment.
When students are harassed or bullied, it directly affects their work in the classroom,
their aspirations for the future, and their desire to stay in school.
Gay-Straight Alliances and similar student groups play an important role in creating
welcoming, affirming, and respectful schools and colleges - safe places where learning
can happen and students flourish.
This work is absolutely essential.
G-S-As are a proven tool for creating welcoming school climates and helping students stay
in school.
Our team at the Department of Education is committed to giving school districts guidance
on providing all students, including L-G-B-T, gender nonconforming students, and their allies,
a safe place to learn, meet, share experiences, and discuss matters that are important to
them. These are goals that our Administration takes very seriously.
This day is an opportunity to recognize the importance of Gay-Straight Alliances in schools
across America. On behalf of President Obama, I want to thank you for your hard work, your
leadership, and your courage. Your work makes a difference - so keep it up.