OFFICIAL STATEMENT BY M. JODI RELL
GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT

WHEREAS, the Connecticut General Assembly adopted legislation in the 2001 Session that speaks to the importance of international education. Section 10-27(a) of the Connecticut General Statutes reads, "It shall be the policy of the state to encourage its students, teachers, administrators, and educational policy makers to participate in international studies, international exchange programs and other activities that advance cultural awareness and promote mutual understanding and respect for the citizens of other countries"; and

WHEREAS, according to the American Council on Education, more than 70 percent of Americans believe it is important to learn to speak a foreign language and to learn about world affairs; and

WHEREAS, International Education Week was established four years ago as a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education as a way to promote international understanding in schools and institutions, in the United States and abroad; and

WHEREAS, International Education Week provides an opportunity to promote and celebrate the benefits of international education and international exchange worldwide, and to encourage policies and programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study in the United States; now

THEREFORE, I, M. Jodi Rell, Governor of the State of Connecticut, do hereby officially proclaim the week of November 14-18, 2005, as INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK in the State of Connecticut.

GOVERNOR M. JODI RELL

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