Jill Biden to Address LGBT Education Network

by Michael Jones · 2009-05-21 08:52:00 UTC
Topics:

Jill Biden

Dr. Jill Biden will address an annual awards ceremony held by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) on June 1. Biden, the wife of Vice President Joe Biden, has a lengthy history of championing education, and is herself a former teacher in public schools.  It's expected that Biden will talk about the need to make all schools safe spaces for LGBT children and youth.

GLSEN commended Biden on her long history of advocating for young people, particularly for students most vulnerable to bullying and harassment.

Of course, then there's the wingnut side of things.  Peter LaBarbera and his Americans for Truth factory are blasting Jill Biden for appearing before GLSEN.  They literally think that her appearance will support the indoctrination of youth into homosexuality.

Thankfully, we have a White House (including Mrs. Biden) that affords people like LaBarbera absolutely no credibility.  Groups like Americans for Truth are to the fringe side of social conservatism.  Blasting Jill Biden for being an advocate for safe schools and anti-bullying is tasteless, and just plain mean.  And it's not in the best interests for young people and students.

The Awards presentation that she'll present at is known as the Respect Awards, and it's an annual celebration for GLSEN to honor the individuals and corporations who have helped  ensure safe schools for all of America's students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Michael Jones is a Change.org Editor. He has worked in the field of human rights communications for a decade, most recently for Harvard Law School.
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