U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan met yesterday with kids and teachers from the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network to talk about the importance of anti-bullying efforts.

Duncan asked GLSEN Executive Director Eliza Byard and the delegation for data on a number of possible interventions to curb bullying.

The group gave Duncan high marks for his sensitivity and openness.

“Secretary Duncan showed great compassion for their experiences, respect for their perseverance and dedication to identifying effective responses to school climate issues,” Byard said. “I am confident that we will see growing engagement with these issues at the Department of Education and truly positive change.”

Organizations like GLSEN still sometimes run into trouble gaining acceptance from local schools and communities, so meeting with the Secretary of Education is a big step. Duncan is the first Education Secretary to meet with the group, a spokesman told me.

I wonder what Buster the Bunny would have to say about all this....