Students speak against discrimination through silence
Dariel Weaver
Staff Writer
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Students took a vow of silence from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In order to explain their silence, participants carried cards stating, "Please understand my reasons for not speaking today. I support lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights. People who are silent today believe that laws and attitudes should be inclusive of people of all sexual orientations. The Day of Silence is to draw attention to those who have been silenced by hatred, oppression, and prejudice. Think about the voices you are not hearing. What can you do to end the silence?"
Pamphlets handed out on the Wall encouraged students to consider whether speaking in their classes was really necessary, or to show their card to professors to justify refraining from class discussions. Other suggestions included keeping a pen and paper on hand, avoiding other people in dining halls and other crowded situations, and explaining to people more fully the following day their reasons for participating.
The day ended with a "Breaking the Silence" rally on Rand Terrace, where students spoke out about their experiences both that day and in their day-to-day lives. The project was a week-long event, including activities such as a "Bar-B-Queer" dinner at the Office of GLBT Life, a screening of Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss, and a "Primal Scream" dance party on Friday night.
According to the National School Climate Survey, sponsored by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, four out of five GLBT students are verbally, sexually or physically harassed at school; 30 percent reported missing at least one day of school out of fear for their safety.
The Day of Silence aims to use literal silence as a symbol of the silence imposed on many GLBTs, as well as a form of protest. The official Day of Silence Web site elaborates that "The Day of Silence institutes a visible silence, a silence during which participants protest anti-GLBT discrimination and abuse. Such an effort also allows us to reflect upon how powerful silencing can be, to focus on how we can make our own voices stronger and to begin to stop silencing ourselves."
This widespread action coincides with the New York State Assembly's passage of the Dignity for All Students Act. The bill provides for protection of all New York students against identity-based harassment, including harassment due to race, gender, religion, disability, and sexual orientation. Eight other states have existing laws providing protection on the basis of sexual orientation, such as Washington's recently-passed anti-bullying law. Similar bills are being considered in four states, including Florida.
The Day of Silence originated at the University in Virginia in 1996, and has expanded to become the largest student-led project for GLBT issues in the country. This year, more than 1600 high schools and colleges in 49 states planned to participate.