Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I rise today in recognition of the National Day of Silence.

On April 25th, hundreds of thousands of students around our country will observe a day of silence in memory of Lawrence King.

Lawrence was a 15 year-old attending E.O. Greene Junior High in Oxnard, California, who liked to draw, study bugs, crochet, and sing.

But he was also repeatedly harassed in school because of his sexual orientation and gender expression.

He endured anti-gay taunts, slurs, and other forms of bullying.

This harassment culminated in his death when, on February 12, 2008, he was shot in the head by his 14-year old classmate.

Larry’s death is incredibly tragic.

It is also a sad reminder that pleas for help— from our young lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender population—are often met with silence.

I commend the courage of every student participating in the Day of Silence.

I know that your efforts will bring much needed attention to the plight that students like Larry face every single day.

Thank you.

Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.