Expressing support for designation of the week of February 3, 2025, through February 7, 2025, as "National School Counseling Week".

Bill Number

H.J.Res. 32

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Education

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-01-31: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Last Updated

2025-07-21T19:44:15Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This joint resolution (H.J. Res. 32) expresses congressional support for designating the week of February 3 through February 7, 2025, as "National School Counseling Week." It aims to recognize the vital role of school counselors in supporting students' academic, social-emotional, and career development, while raising awareness about their contributions amid challenges like high student-to-counselor ratios and budget cuts.

Key Provisions

• Recognition of School Counselors: Acknowledges their work in promoting equitable education, personal and social development, and preparation for college and careers, including in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields.
• Support for Specific Roles: Highlights how counselors assist with challenges such as bullying, mental health, family issues, peer pressure, school violence, and trauma from community or national events; they also support students with deployed family members.
• Call to Action: Congress honors counselors' contributions to elementary and secondary schools and encourages the public to observe the designated week with ceremonies and activities to promote awareness of their importance in helping students become productive members of society.
• Background Context: Notes the American School Counselor Association's designation of the week and the recommended student-to-counselor ratio of 250:1, compared to the current national average of 376:1 in public schools.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force or effect. It introduces no changes to existing laws, statutes, or regulations; it serves only as a symbolic expression of support from Congress.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact; it may prompt the Department of Education or related agencies to issue supportive statements or resources, but no funding or mandates are required.
• On Citizens: Could increase public awareness of school counseling services, potentially encouraging schools to protect counseling positions during budget constraints and helping parents and students better utilize these resources for student well-being.
• On International Relations: No impact, as the resolution is focused entirely on domestic education.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• School Counselors: Directly honored, with potential for greater professional recognition and advocacy for better ratios and funding.
• Students and Families: Benefit from highlighted support for academic, emotional, and career guidance, especially those facing personal or community challenges.
• Educators and Schools: Encourages broader appreciation of counselors' roles in holistic student development.
• Organizations: Groups like the American School Counselor Association and National Association for College Admission Counseling gain visibility for their recommended standards.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: None, as this is a simple resolution without enforceable provisions; it does not amend laws or allocate resources.
• Constitutional: No implications, as it aligns with Congress's power to pass non-binding resolutions for awareness and recognition.
• Political: Symbolically bipartisan (introduced by a diverse group of representatives), it underscores congressional commitment to education and mental health support without controversy, potentially fostering goodwill in education policy discussions.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Sánchez, Linda T. [D-CA-38]

Cosponsors (9)

Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Grijalva, Raúl M. [D-AZ-7], Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]

Recent Actions

• 2025-01-31: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
• 2025-01-31: Introduced in House
• 2025-01-31: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Expressing support for designation of the week of February 3, 2025, through February 7, 2025, as "National School Counseling Week". — issued 2025-01-31 — PDF (3 pages)