Five Reasons Why Schools Should Support the Day of Silence

The Day of Silence Project is a nationwide, student-led effort to organize the Day of Silence in local school communities. The Day of Silence is a day on which people who support creating safe schools for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people take a nine-hour vow of silence to recognize and protest the harassment, prejudice and discrimination -- in effect, the silencing -- that LGBT people face. Instead of speaking, student participants hand out cards or wear stickers or T-shirts printed with the following message:

"Please understand my reasons for not speaking today. I am participating in the Day of Silence, a national youth movement protesting the silence faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their allies. My deliberate silence echoes that silence, which is caused by harassment, prejudice, and discrimination. I believe that ending the silence is the first step toward fighting these injustices. Think about the voices you are not hearing today. What are you going to do to end the silence?"

Teachers, administrators, and school communities should seriously consider supporting students in their organization of the Day of Silence. The Day of Silence:

Presents an opportunity for schools to demonstrate their commitment to the safety and well-being of all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression

Reflects the mission of public education, which is to serve each and every student

Allows students to support one another, building community and cooperation

Provides opportunities for leadership development and community outreach for young people

According to feedback from teachers and principals, the Day can be a lesson in civic responsibility, freedom of speech, and democracy