Assembly Resolution No. 1061

BY: M. of A. Bronson

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
April 27, 2018, as a Day of Silence in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, The Day of Silence is a day on which students take a vow to
remain silent for a full day in order to bring attention to the
harassment and discrimination faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgender people in schools, including students, teachers, and other
school staff; and

WHEREAS, The Day of Silence has been held annually since April,
1996; and

WHEREAS, The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network has
designated April 27, 2018, as the Day of Silence; and

WHEREAS, More than 80 percent of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgender students have been verbally harassed by their peers because
of their sexual orientation and gender identity; and

WHEREAS, More than 40 percent of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgender students have been physically assaulted by their peers
because of their sexual orientation and gender identity; and

WHEREAS, More than 80 percent of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgender students report that faculty and staff rarely or never
intervene when harassment against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgender individuals occurs; and

WHEREAS, More than 30 percent of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgender students report missing at least one entire school day in
the last month because they feel unsafe; and

WHEREAS, Unchecked harassment and discrimination based on sexual
orientation and gender identity or expression can hinder student
achievement and have a negative impact on student academic performance;
and

WHEREAS, Every child, regardless of sexual orientation or gender
identity, should be guaranteed an education free from discrimination and
harassment; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body supports the goals and ideals of the
Day of Silence; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 27, 2018, as a
Day of Silence in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.