Day of Silence

Day of Silence 4/12

By Hudson Howey, Class of 2024

Freedom to speak for our opinions and for our beliefs are things many of us have taken for granted throughout our lives. But during the Day of Silence many have a small taste of what life can be like without your voice. 

But why do we have this day where people choose not to speak for a day, exactly? Well the history of the Day of Silence began in 1996 as a school project on nonviolent protest at the University of Virginia. The first year it occurred, 150 students participated in the protest. But what might they be protesting about, you ask? 

The Day of Silence was a peaceful protest specifically created to show the silence forced upon people of the LGBTQ+ community. Specifically the harassment and discrimination shown by many people towards them. A mere year or so later, this was taken nationwide in America and almost 100 colleges and campuses participated. But while the GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) became the official sponsor in 2001, the event is still mostly student organized. 

But while this day might be a peaceful, silent protest, the reasons for it being necessary aren’t as peaceful nor silent. In 2009, a study was taken by GLSEN that showed four out of five LGBTQ+ students reported verbal, sexual or physical harassment at school and a third reported having missed one or more days of school in the past month in the interest of their safety. While there is sadly no perfect solution to this, the Day of Silence allows for a stand to be taken against such bullying and poor treatment of LGBTQ+ students. 

Unfortunately, while the First Amendment allows for students to participate in silent protests, some schools might impose academic or disciplinary consequences for students who participate. But in addition to this courts have not allowed for districts to limit student or clubs abilities to host events like this. Thus you are allowed to do it whether your school agrees or disagrees with you but you must beware of certain consequences. 

In conclusion, now the Day of Silence is an event that takes place on the second Friday of April created to protest the harassment and forced silence put onto LGBTQ+ students and adults in the world. Overall, this day is a prime example of how peaceful protest can impact hundreds of thousands of people nationwide and even worldwide. 

For anyone wanting to know more about the Day of Silence feel free to check out their official website:
Day of (No) Silence | GLSEN