HRC Participates in School Bullying Summit
August 11, 2010
Starting today, the Department of Education’s Office for Safe and Drug Free Schools is hosting the Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention Summit. During the two day summit, a wide range of participants (including the Department of Justice, the Department of Education, and the Department of Health and Human Services) will gather with experts from around the country to discuss the scope and impact of bullying, and what programs and policies are working best to combat it.
Continue Reading ►Safe School Improvement Act Introduced in Senate for First Time
August 5, 2010 by Ty Cobb
Today, Senator Robert Casey (D-PA) introduced the Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA) in the U.S. Senate. The SSIA would amend the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (part of the No Child Left Behind Act) to require schools and districts receiving federal funds to adopt codes of conduct specifically prohibiting bullying and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and religion.
Continue Reading ►2010 Generation Equality Scholarship Winners Announced
July 23, 2010
Earlier this week, the HRC Foundation announced the winners of the 2010 Generation Equality Scholarship for LGBT and allied students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to achieving queer equality. The $2000 scholarships are part of HRC Foundation’s Youth and Campus Outreach Program, which aims to provide tools, facilitate connections and empower young people to fight for LGBT equality on campus and beyond.
Continue Reading ►Justice Served in Mississippi Prom Date Controversy
July 20, 2010
Justice has finally been served for Constance McMillen. Itawamba Agricultural High School in Mississippi had its 15 minutes of infamy this spring when it denied Constance the chance to bring her girlfriend to the school prom. The ACLU intervened and a judge ruled that the school could not forbid Constance from bringing the date of her choice. The school responded by cancelling prom completely and Constance faced harassment and alienation from her peers because of it. The ACLU sued the school district for violating Constance’s civil rights and yesterday the case was settled with the school district adopting a non-discrimination and anti-harassment policy covering sexual orientation and gender identity. The district also agreed to pay $35,000 in damages.
Continue Reading ►Arkansas Shows Some Southern Hospitality
July 7, 2010
I’ve been to Arkansas a couple times for fun, but this visit made me want to stay. I am here in Arkansas now with a specific purpose: to build constituent support to urge Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor to vote to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”.
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