H. Res. 161

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;
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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
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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.