Singer Lady Gaga and her mother on
Tuesday met with Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett to discuss efforts to
end the bullying of young people, including gay teens, CBS
News reported.
The 25-year-old Lady Gaga earlier
announced that she was launching in 2012 the Born
This Way Foundation, which will be aimed at ending
schoolyard bullying.
In a post published at the White
House's website, Jarrett said she was moved by Lady Gaga's
commitment to the issue.
“Lady Gaga has described this cause
as a personal one – she has said that as a child, she was often
picked on for being different. I am deeply moved by the way she has
used her story, and her success, to inspire young people, and shine
the spotlight on important issues.”
Jarrett also touted the
administration's record on the issue.
“I am proud to be part of an
Administration that has taken steps to address bullying. In 2010,
the Department of Education made it clear to schools that allowing
bullying against LGBT students can violate anti-discrimination
statutes. In 2011, the Department reaffirmed students' rights to
form gay-straight alliances and other similar groups. Earlier this
year, President Obama and the First Lady held a White House
Conference on Bullying Prevention. And today the Administration
released a new analysis of state bullying laws and policies,
summarizing the efforts currently in place to prevent bullying in and
out of schools. The report shows that while states have made recent
progress in enacting policies and legislation to address bullying,
more must be done.”
“As we continue protecting our
children, we look forward to working with Lady Gaga, the Born This
Way Foundation, and with every American who is willing to help make
our society more kind, inclusive, and equal,” she added.