President Obama Supports the Safe Schools Improvement Act and Student Non-Discrimination Act

Today, the president endorsed two bills that will counter attacks towards LGBT students in schools.

Washington Blade reports

President Obama has thrown the full weigh of administration behind a pair of bills that would help protect LGBT students against bullying: the Student Non-Discrimination and the Safe Schools Improvement Act.

Shin Inouye, a White House spokesperson, confirmed for the Washington Blade on Friday that Obama supports both pieces legislation — bringing him into alignment with a position that many LGBT organizations had sought for some time.

“The president and his administration have taken many steps to address the issue of bullying,” Inouye said. “He is proud to support the Student Non-Discrimination Act, introduced by Senator Franken and Congressman Polis, and the Safe Schools Improvement Act, introduced by Senator Casey and Congresswoman Linda Sanchez. These bills will help ensure that all students are safe and healthy and can learn in environments free from discrimination, bullying and harassment.”

Both pieces of legislation address bullying in different ways. SNDA would prohibit and harassment in public elementary and secondary schools based on a student’s actual or perceived LGBT status. SSIA would require schools to adopt anti-bullying codes of conduct and submit to states data to the Department of Education on bullying.

Wow, this good to hear. Congrats to Al Franken for introducing SNDA