This is a Senate resolution that expresses support for the 2026 National Day of Silence, an annual event where LGBTQI+ students, teachers, and allies stay silent to draw attention to bullying and harassment faced by LGBTQI+ students in schools. The resolution doesn't create new laws or requirements, but rather makes a statement of support and encourages action. It highlights serious problems: according to recent surveys, 58% of LGBTQI+ students experience verbal harassment at school, 23% experience physical harassment, and 67% feel unsafe because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The resolution points out that many states have passed laws that harm LGBTQI+ students, including laws preventing transgender students from using bathrooms matching their gender identity and laws removing LGBTQI+ content from school curricula. The resolution also notes that LGBTQI+ young people experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, and that some families have left states like Florida due to anti-LGBTQI+ policies. Ultimately, the resolution calls on schools across the country to adopt anti-bullying policies and inclusive practices that protect all students, particularly LGBTQI+ youth, and create safe learning environments where everyone can focus on education.

Schatz, Brian

A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of the 2026 Day of Silence in bringing attention to anti-LGBTQI+ bullying, harassment, discrimination, and other forms of victimization faced by individuals in schools, and calling on communities across the country to take action to demand equal educational opportunity, basic civil rights protections, and freedom from erasure for all students, particularly LGBTQI+ young people, in K-12 schools.