Attorney General Eric Holder on Tuesday
said that the Justice Department is “committed to using every tool
in its arsenal” to combat anti-gay bullying.
Holder and White House senior adviser
Valerie Jarrett addressed the issue during a conference at the
University of Texas at Arlington aimed at promoting safe schools and
communities for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.
“I'm proud to say this Department of
Justice has never been more committed to this [issue],” Holder
said.
“We have an obligation to protect
young people who are targeted just because they are perceived as
different,” he added.
Jarrett said President Barack Obama is
“committed to keeping the spotlight on this issue,” and noted
that the administration was working with states to help them
implement anti-bullying policies.
“We recently released a report that
documents key components of anti-bullying laws across all 50 states,”
she said. “And we've issued guidance to governors and state school
officials, in order to help them incorporate the best practices for
protecting students.”
“Know that the president and the
United States is in your corner, and we will be with you every step
of the way,” she added.