January 19, 2021

Congresswoman Barbara Lee Reintroduces a Resolution Recognizing No Name-Calling Week

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) reintroduced H.Con. Res 4. a Concurrent Resolution recognizing No Name-Calling Week, which takes place January 18-22. This initiative aims to address the impact that bullying and name calling have on LGBTQ+ youth and encourages schools to consider a more comprehensive anti-bullying and harassment policy.

Since 2004, No Name-Calling Week has been raising awareness for the millions of students across the country who experience bullying. This is especially true for students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ+), LGBTQ+ students of color, and nonbinary students. Schools can often be unsafe spaces for these individuals who experience a high level of name-calling.

“All students and young people should feel safe and respected regardless of their gender identity or expression,” said Rep. Barbara Lee. “According to the CDC, one in five high school students reported physical, verbal, or social bullying and over 70% of LGBTQ+ students were verbally harassed because of their sexual orientation. This is unacceptable. As a founding member of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, I will continue to work to ensure that all young people can feel safe and be protected from bullying in school.” 

“No one should ever be made to feel unsafe or unwelcome because of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” said LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus Chairman David N. Cicilline (RI-01). “Unfortunately, that’s what happens for many young people across our country, especially transgender people and LGBTQ+ people of color. I’m proud to join Congresswoman Lee in introducing this important resolution today and continuing our work to ensure every young person is treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.” 

“We are grateful to have Congresswoman Lee as a champion for LGBTQ+ youth in this pivotal moment. This resolution from Congresswoman Lee and her colleagues in Congress is a crucial affirmation of GLSEN’s No Name-Calling Week, and a clear sign to LGBTQ+ students and educators that our elected leaders are committed to advancing their safety and rights,” said Eliza Byard, Executive Director of GLSEN.

 Endorsed by: Advocates for Youth, American Psychological Association, American School Counselor Association, Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, Bayard Rustin Liberation Initiative, Center for American Progress, Center for Disability Rights, CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers, Clearinghouse on Women’s Issues, COLAGE, Communities in Schools, Council of Administrators of Special Education, EDGE Consulting Partners, Educators of Excellence, Equality Federation, Equality California, Family Equality, Feminist Majority Foundation, Gender Spectrum, GLAD (GLBTQ Advocates and Defenders), GLSEN, Human Rights Campaign (HRC), LGBTQ Victory Fund & LGBTQ Victory Institute, Michigan Teacher of the Year Network, National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), National Association of School Nurses (NASN), National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), The National Black Justice Coalition, National Center for Transgender Equality, National Equality Action Team (NEAT), National PTA, New Leaders, Next100, Oasis Legal Services, PRISM DMV, Sandy Hook Promise, Silver State Equality, Teach for America, The Trevor Project