By Maryland First Lady Katie O’Malley

As the school year comes to a close, many of our students will be thinking about their upcoming summer jobs, trips and vacations. But for others, they’ll be thinking about how summer means a brief sanctuary from the harassment and bullying they experience at school every day–and yet some will continue to face cyber-bullying even over the summer months.

This should never be the accepted reality for our children.

As parents of four, Martin and I know how serious the issue of bullying and harassment are and how much they can affect a child’s ability to learn and become tomorrow’s leaders. And while today, nearly every state has enacted a bullying law or policy, there is no federal law that directly addresses bullying or discrimination based solely on sexual orientation. That’s why we’re supporting the Student Non-Discrimination Act and the Safe Schools Improvement Act to help protect our children against constant abuse and tormenting.

We’re asking all governors to sign on to a letter to Congress asking them to join us in ending the abuse. A special thanks to the many governors who have already joined our call to action.

We hope to see more state leaders stand up and speak up for our kids. Please share the letters with members and leaders in your community. To read our letter to governors, click here. To read our letter to Congress, click here.

Martin O'Malley is the Governor of Maryland. He writes a regular blog for his official website.