H. Res. 161
In the House of Representatives, U.S.,
April 29, 2003.
Whereas Operation Respect is a nonprofit organization en-
gaged in a national effort to transform participating
schools, after-school programs, and children’s summer
camps into more compassionate and respectful environ-
ments through its ‘‘Don’t Laugh At Me’’ program mate-
rials that address the issues of emotional and physical vi-
olence among children;
Whereas Operation Respect has conducted 230 workshops,
reaching over 18,000 educators in 27 States and distrib-
uting 50,000 copies of its professionally developed cur-
riculum;
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 Repub-
lican conference and Democratic caucus of the United
States House of Representatives;
Whereas the ‘‘Don’t Laugh At Me’’ program increases mu-
tual respect and fellowship among hundreds of thousands
of elementary school children, creating an environment
for students that improves focus on academic achieve-
ment and encourages an atmosphere of respect and re-
sponsibility;
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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 respon-
sibility, justice and fairness;
Whereas the ‘‘Don’t Laugh At Me’’ programs have made a
significant impact on schools and camps through a cur-
riculum 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 pro-
grams 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 Na-
tional Conference of State Legislatures and various edu-
cational associations, including the National Association
of Elementary School Principals, the National Associa-
tion of Secondary School Principals, the American Asso-
ciation of School Administrators, the Council of Great
City Colleges of Education, the National Education Asso-
ciation, the Council of Great City Schools, the American
School Counselors Association, the National School
Boards Association, the National Middle School Associa-
tion, and the American Federation of Teachers; and
Whereas the National Conference of State Legislatures
passed a resolution on August 12, 2001, encouraging
•HRES 161 EH
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, there-
fore, be it
Resolved, That Operation Respect and the ‘‘Don’t Laugh
At Me’’ program are commended for their major contribu-
tions to the sound academic focus, character development,
and improved physical safety of children throughout the
United States.
Attest:
Clerk.