The White House

Five high school students will be given a rare opportunity to share their personal bullying experiences with the President, First Lady, and top officials in the Federal government. The teens will advocate for continued protections of LGBT students, including the federal Safe Schools Improvement Act now being considered by both houses on Congress. “We applaud President Obama for engaging with young people and inviting them to share their stories with his administration.

Senior Advisor to President Obama - Valerie Jarrett (pictured) - spoke at HRC's national dinner to directly address the recent tragedies surrounding GLBT youth. Bullying and harassment have become prominent in recent months. In part she says, "...the President asked me to come here tonight, to carry a message on his behalf. No young person should have to endure a life of relentless taunts and harassment, just because they’re gay.

Text of President Obama's back to school speech:

The President: Hello everyone – how’s everybody doing today? I’m here with students at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia. And we’ve got students tuning in from all across America, kindergarten through twelfth grade. I’m glad you all could join us today.