NBJC Commends Obama’s Endorsement of the Safe Schools Improvement Act and Student Non-Discrimination Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, April 20, the White House announced that President Barack Obama is endorsing the Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA) and Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA), two bills pending in Congress to address bullying and discrimination faced by students across the nation. The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), the nation’s leading organization dedicated to empowering Black lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, commends President Obama for his endorsement of this landmark legislation.
A study released by the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) revealed that at least 25 percent of Black LGBT students have missed at least one full day of school in the past month because they felt unsafe or uncomfortable, compared to just 6.3 percent of all Black youth and 3.5 percent of all white youth. These bills will help ensure that all students are safe and healthy and can learn in environments free from discrimination, bullying and harassment.
“NBJC applauds the Obama Administration for supporting these two critical bills that will bring our schools closer to being nurturing, affirming environments where all our students feel safe and obtain the skills necessary for success,” says NBJC Executive Director and CEO Sharon Lettman-Hicks.
The National Black Justice Coalition was at the forefront raising awareness about the importance of this legislation. NBJC coordinated an Issue Advocacy Day during “OUT on the Hill,” NBJC’s annual Black LGBT Leadership Summit where we convened over 100 Black LGBT leaders from around the nation to educate Members of Congress on core LGBT issues including the Student Non-Discrimination Act. Our partnership with the Student Non-Discrimination Act Coalition and the National Education Association’s Bully-Free It Starts with Me Campaign was integral in our advocacy.
NBJC is committed to empowering our nation’s future Black LGBT leaders and equipping them with the tools necessary to own their power.