Support the Student Non-Discrimination Act

Jul 15, 2010

Dear Representative:

I write on behalf of the Friends Committee on National Legislation (Quakers) to applaud Representative Jared Polis (CO) and 60 original co-sponsors for introducing the Student Non-Discrimination Act (H.R. 4530), a bill which would implement critically needed measures to end discrimination based on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity in public schools. We urge you to co-sponsor H.R. 4530.

As people of faith guided by the spiritual values of the Religious Society of Friends, our work is led by the call for right relationships among all people. We believe that respect for human and civil rights is essential to safeguarding the integrity of our society and the inherent dignity of all human beings. We recognize that governments have an indispensable role in upholding these rights and that citizens have the responsibility to make governments more responsive, open, and accountable.

H.R. 4530 would establish a comprehensive federal prohibition of discrimination in public schools based on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students in public schools, or students who are perceived as LGBT or who associate with LGBT students, are frequently subjected to discrimination including bullying, harassment, and violence by their peers. Too often, school officials are complicit in -- or at least indifferent to -- these egregious human and civil rights violations. This bill would establish public schools as safe spaces in which all students are welcomed and respected, regardless of their gender orientation or sexual identity.

H.R 4530 would also provide meaningful and effective remedies for discrimination in public schools based on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. This bill would require federal departments and agencies to terminate or refuse to grant federal financial assistance for any public schools' educational programs and activities that are found to be in failure of compliance. In addition, this bill would create a legal cause of actions for victims to pursue all appropriate forms of relief in a judicial proceeding.

Friends seek a community where every person's potential may be fulfilled. The equal treatment of all people by the state is inherent to each individual's realization of her or his potential. We are deeply concerned by recent and ongoing incidents of bullying among students that, if left unchecked, can lead to life-threatening violence and suicide. We advocate for policies that uphold the sanctity of the individual and promote mutual respect in order to work toward a society free from discrimination.

For all of these reasons, we urge you to co-sponsor H.R. 4530.

For questions or comments, please contact: Rebecca Sheff, Legislative Assistant on Civil Liberties, Human Rights, and Immigration, (202) 903-2523.

Sincerely,

Ruth Flower
Legislative Director