Harrisburg – Following a meeting with Equality Pennsylvania President, Adrian Shanker, and a delegation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) leaders in the 15th Congressional District, Congressman Charlie Dent (R-PA-15) has agreed to become the latest co-sponsor of the Safe-Schools Improvement Act. Equality Pennsylvania members have also called the Congressman’s office asking him to co-sponsor this bill.

The Safe Schools Improvement Act, sponsored by Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to require schools and districts receiving federal funds to adopt codes of conduct specifically prohibiting bullying and harassment, including on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity. The Act would also require that states report data on bullying and harassment to the Department of Education.

“Congressman Dent has continued to demonstrate that LGBT equality is not a partisan issue,” said Shanker. “Thanks to Congressman Dent for standing up for LGBT youth and for supporting safe and bully-free learning environments for all of our public schools.”

Congressman Dent has also recently co-sponsored the Employement Non Discrimination Act and the Uniting American Families Act.