Lady Gaga Visited The White House For Anti-Bullying Meeting

Becky Bain | December 7, 2011 10:20 am

Lady Gaga visited the White House yesterday afternoon to discuss bullying prevention, and though she didn’t get a chance to talk face to face with President Obama (he was in Kansas to give a speech on the economy), she met with several of the members of his administration. Valerie Jarrett, a Senior Advisor to the President, wrote a lengthy post on the White House blog about Gaga’s visit, in which she called the pop star “a source of strength” whose efforts “deeply moved” her.

Gaga has campaigned on behalf of human rights and self-empowerment — in September 2010, she gave a speech condemning Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, and committed to fight bullying after hearing about the suicide of 14-year-old Jamey Rodemeyer.

“Lady Gaga is a source of strength for many young people who feel isolated and scared at their schools,” writes Jarrett. “Today, I had the opportunity to welcome her to the White House, where we discussed ways we could work together to make sure that no child comes under attack, regardless of his or her race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other factor.”

Jarrett makes mention of Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation, and says that she was touched by Gaga’s dedication to helping others. “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.”

Lady Gaga’s visit was a timely one — the same day, the Obama administration released a new analysis of state bullying laws and policies, regarding the efforts currently in place to prevent bullying. Though many states have made progress in creating policies and legislation to address bullying, the analysis proves there is cerainly more left to be done.

Jarrett concludes her post by writing, “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.”

Read the whole post here.

[Via Washington Post]