The prevalence of bullying and harassment in elementary, middle and high schools is a growing issue of national concern, and we need your help to put a stop to it. Please ask your member of Congress to support the bipartisan Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA).

According to recent studies, bullying affects almost 30% of American children on a monthly basis and results in serious academic, physical and mental health problems including, in some cases, suicide. While some schools, districts and states have already enacted anti-bullying, harassment and discrimination policies, most have none.

Far too often, religion and religious freedom are turned into a justification for bullying, violence, malice, or discrimination with those who condemn homosexuality because of religion-based beliefs claiming that their religious freedom should trump anti-discrimination and anti-bullying laws. But bullying for any reason is contradictory to authentic religion and nothing should trump the safety and well-being of our nation’s children.

The bipartisan Student Non-Discrimination Act would establish a comprehensive federal prohibition against discrimination, including harassment, in public schools based on a student’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity, providing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students with much needed protections. The legislation also protects students who may be targeted because they have LGBT parents and friends. SNDA is also consistent with nearly fifty years of civil rights history, which clearly demonstrate that laws similar to SNDA are effective in preventing discrimination, including harassment from occurring.

Please take a moment today to ask your Members of Congress to support the Student Non-Discrimination Act. The Capitol Switchboard can be reached at (202) 224-3121, or you can send an e-mail to your Senators and Representative by entering your zip code below.