Takano, Simon, Schatz Reintroduce Day of Silence Resolution to Demand Fair Treatment of LGBTQI+ Students

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, Representative Mark Takano (CA-39), Representative Lateefah Simon (CA-12), and Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) reintroduced the Day of Silence resolution to bring attention to bullying, harassment, and discrimination LGBTQI+ students face in school.

"The classroom should be a space for every student to learn in a safe environment without fear of being singled out for who they are," said Rep. Mark Takano, Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. "Seeing adults from local school boards to state legislatures, Congress, and even the President targeting students who are simply trying to find their place in the world is one of the worst kinds of bullying. I am proud to reintroduce this resolution as a former public school teacher, as Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, and as someone who wants every LGBTQI+ student to learn and grow safely."

"Every child should feel safe at school," said Senator Brian Schatz. "As attacks against LGBTQ+ students continue across the country, we need to protect these students and fight back against the discriminatory policies that harm them. Our resolution reaffirms our support for LGBTQ+ students and their right to live freely and openly."

"Every child deserves the chance to safely be their most authentic self at school. Schools should open doors, not close them," said Vice Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus Lateefah Simon. "As Republicans escalate their dangerous attacks on the LGBTQ+ community at the federal and state level, it is more important than ever that we join together to assure that all students are protected against discrimination and to reaffirm their basic civil rights. Our Day of Silence resolution recognizes the bullying and harassment that LGBTQ+ youth may face and demands equal opportunity and basic civil rights in all public schools. I thank Equality Caucus Chair Takano and Senator Schatz for their partnership to ensure that all school children can fully participate in their education, extracurriculars, and their future."

"Glisten is grateful for the leadership of Congressman Mark Takano and we applaud his introduction of the 2026 Day of Silence resolution," said Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, CEO, Glisten. "Our latest National School Climate Survey provides evidence of what we know to be true - that LGBTQ+ students are being subject to an ongoing, brutal attack on their very existence. This is particularly felt among transgender and nonbinary young people who are being silenced by having their existence criminalized. We hope this resolution will remind the entire LGBTQ+ student community that there are people in power who care deeply about their wellbeing and who have not given up on them."

Full text of the resolution can be found here.

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