[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 161 Engrossed in House (EH)]
In the House of Representatives, U.S.,
April 29, 2003.
Whereas Operation Respect is a nonprofit organization engaged in a national
effort to transform participating schools, after-school programs, and
children's summer camps into more compassionate and respectful
environments through its ``Don't Laugh At Me'' program materials that
address the issues of emotional and physical violence among children;
Whereas Operation Respect has conducted 230 workshops, reaching over 18,000
educators in 27 States and distributing 50,000 copies of its
professionally developed curriculum;
Whereas representatives of this organization have appeared before over 240
educational organizations in 36 States on behalf of Operation Respect,
as well as before the Republican conference and Democratic caucus of the
United States House of Representatives;
Whereas the ``Don't Laugh At Me'' program increases mutual respect and
fellowship among hundreds of thousands of elementary school children,
creating an environment for students that improves focus on academic
achievement and encourages an atmosphere of respect and responsibility;
Whereas the ``Don't Laugh At Me'' camp programs have made the environment at
summer camps safer and more secure for children by creating a greater
sense of responsibility, justice and fairness;
Whereas the ``Don't Laugh At Me'' programs have made a significant impact on
schools and camps through a curriculum of character education and social
and emotional learning;
Whereas the overwhelming majority of students participating in a recent survey
concluded that the ``Don't Laugh At Me'' program was a valuable and
beneficial experience and resulted in a diminution of negative behaviors
such as bullying, and increased openness and trust;
Whereas counselors and campers alike who participated in the ``Don't Laugh At
Me'' programs agreed that the programs were effective, enjoyable, and
positively influenced the academic and character education of the
children;
Whereas the success of Operation Respect and the ``Don't Laugh At Me'' programs
has been recognized by the National Conference of State Legislatures and
various educational associations, including the National Association of
Elementary School Principals, the National Association of Secondary
School Principals, the American Association of School Administrators,
the Council of Great City Colleges of Education, the National Education
Association, the Council of Great City Schools, the American School
Counselors Association, the National School Boards Association, the
National Middle School Association, and the American Federation of
Teachers; and
Whereas the National Conference of State Legislatures passed a resolution on
August 12, 2001, encouraging funding and other support from States for
professional development of educators in this arena and recognizing the
contributions of Operation Respect in advancing State legislative
initiatives to expand social and emotional learning and character
education programs: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That Operation Respect and the ``Don't Laugh At Me'' program are
commended for their major contributions to the sound academic focus, character
development, and improved physical safety of children throughout the United
States.
Attest:
Clerk.