Day of Silence Addresses Anti-LGBT Bullying

On Friday, April 11, students across the nation will observe National Day of Silence 2014, calling attention to the silencing effect of anti-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered) bullying and harassment in schools.

GLSEN’s 2009 National School Climate Survey found that nearly 9 out of 10 LGBT students report verbal, sexual or physical harassment at school and more than 30% report missing at least a day of school in the past month out of fear for their personal safety. Moreover, two of the top three reasons students said their peers were most often bullied at school were actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender expression, according toFrom Teasing to Torment: School Climate in America, a 2005 report by GLSEN and Harris Interactive. Thus, the Day of Silence helps bring us closer to making anti-LGBT bullying, harassment and name-calling unacceptable in America’s schools.

Founded in 1996, the Day of Silence has become the largest single student-led action towards creating safer schools for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The event has grown from the first-ever Day of Silence at the University of Virginia in 1996, to the organizing efforts in over 8,000 middle schools, high schools, colleges and universities across the country in 2008.

Organizing a Day of Silence (DOS) activity or event can be a positive tool for change—both personally and community-wide. By taking a vow of silence and encouraging others to join them, students can make a powerful statement about the important issue of anti-LGBT bullying.

Students do have a legal right to participate in the Day of Silence between classes and before and after school, but may not have the right to stay silent during instructional time if a teacher requests that they speak. According to Lambda Legal, "Under the Constitution, public schools must respect students' right to free speech. The right to speak includes the right not to speak, as well as the right to wear buttons or T-shirts expressing support for a cause."

This right to free speech doesn't extend to classroom time, however. "If a teacher tells a student to answer a question during class, the student generally doesn't have a constitutional right to refuse to answer."

To register your participation and access tips and resources for getting involved, visit https://www.glsen.org/day-silence.

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Updated 04/09/2014