HIGHWOOD–Ill.–Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Chicago chapter member Karine Birazian recently met with Illinois State Senator Susan Garrett to thank her for cosponsoring HB0312–a resolution recently signed by Governor Blagojevich that will incorporate teaching of the Armenian genocide in the Illinois curriculum.
The meeting focused on current issues regarding the law and efforts to raise genocide awareness within the Illinois school system. Birazian also discussed other issues concerning the Armenian community and ways to strengthen ties with the state senate.
"Overall–I felt that this meeting was a great opportunity to get to know Senator Garrett. The meeting was very positive and has opened the doors to a great relationship between that state senator and the Armenian community. We are honored and proud that Senator Garrett understands the importance of our cause and is aware of our issues," said Birazian.
Senator Garrett–who has been a state senator since 2003–serves on a variety of committees including the education committee. "As a member of the Education Committee in the State Senate–I am very committed to ensuring that our local schools provide the facts of how the unthinkable atrocities–as a result of genocide–have devastated civilizations throughout the world," said Garrett.