GLSEN - Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network
Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, delivered opening remarks at GLSEN's sixth annual Respect Awards in NYC on Monday, saying that the Obama-Biden administration is committed to making schools safe for LGBT youths.
Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, delivered opening remarks at the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network's sixth annual Respect Awards in New York City on Monday evening. In an appearance marking the first time someone from the presidential or vice presidential area of the Obama-Biden administration addressed a gay organization, she voiced their "commitment" to making schools safe for all students, including LGBT youths…
...In her opening remarks, Dr. Biden recounted her firsthand experience with school-based harassment and bullying as an educator for 28 years. "As an English teacher, I've read my students' personal journals and heard their intimate conversations about their pain and their anxiety," she said. "How can we expect kids to learn when they are taunted by their classmates? How can we ask them to do their best work?"
"Change is not easy," continued Dr. Biden, "especially when it comes to ending bigotry and fear. But I am confident that together, we will succeed. That is why I am proud to tell you that the Obama-Biden administration shares your commitment to making sure every student has a safe school. Each child, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, deserves an education." Read complete article and view video – Advocate.com
Dr. Jill Biden to Speak at GLSEN's Respect Awards - New York Gala
NEW YORK, May 13, 2009 - GLSEN is very pleased to announce confirmation of a very special guest at the Respect Awards - New York gala: Dr. Jill Biden, wife of the Vice President and a lifelong educator. Dr. Biden will also provide brief remarks at the gala dinner, which will be held at Gotham Hall in New York City on June 1. GLSEN is excited to welcome someone with a long history of working with and advocating for young people, particularly some of the students most vulnerable to bullying and harassment.
Dr. Biden has been an educator for the past 28 years and continues to teach English classes at a DC-area community college. Prior to moving to Washington, Dr. Biden taught English full-time at Delaware Technical and Community College for 15 years. Before that, she taught for 13 years in public schools as a reading specialist and English teacher, as well as working part-time with the Rockford Psychiatric Hospital Adolescent Program.
Dr. Biden has a long history of activism and service in her community and she continues to work to raise awareness on education, military families, and women's health issues. GLSEN's Respect Awards recognize individual and corporate leaders who have helped propel GLSEN's efforts to ensure safe schools for all of America's students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. Read and learn more GLSEN
The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network strives to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
We believe that such an atmosphere engenders a positive sense of self, which is the basis of educational achievement and personal growth. Since homophobia and heterosexism undermine a healthy school climate, we work to educate teachers, students and the public at large about the damaging effects these forces have on youth and adults alike. We recognize that forces such as racism and sexism have similarly adverse impacts on communities and we support schools in seeking to redress all such inequities.
GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes in creating a more vibrant and diverse community. We welcome as members any and all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or occupation, who are committed to seeing this philosophy realized in K-12 schools. Read and learn more GLSEN - Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network
Related links:
Jill Biden on Ending Bigotry and Fear in our Education System - by Michael A. Jones
DR. JILL BIDEN www.whitehouse.gov
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