— by Cara Russell —
Hanging around her neck was a piece of paper that said “Please understand my reasons for not speaking today. I am participating in the Day of Silence.” On Friday April 17th, the last day of classes before spring break, a small number of Orcas High School students wore these tags and even put tape over their mouths for GLSENs National Day of Silence.
GLSEN which stands for Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, was founded in 1996 and is the largest single student-led action towards creating safer schools for students of all sexual orientation and gender identities. The Day of Silence is a national day of action in which students across the country take the vow to call attention to the silencing effect of anti-LGBT bullying and harassment in schools.
Non-participating students were supportive of their silent classmates, and some even assisted their friends in getting through the day without being able to speak. While it was difficult to interview someone who has taken the vow, it was discovered that High school senior Lauren Ferrell, who founded a gender issues club at OHS, is responsible for this year’s participation.
For more information visit dayofsilence.org.
I’m so proud to be your mother, Lauren.
Good going, Lauren! I hope this Day of Silence has an impact.
Silence? To “call attention” to a problem?
Problems get addressed because people speak out, not because people shut up.
I cannot think of a more misguided “solution” to a perceived problem.
This scheme looks like a plot by pernicious adults, to dupe involved ‘teens, and to sabotage their efforts in speaking out against bullying and acts of violence upon a segment of our community.
Silence can create change!
“That’s why every year hundreds of thousands of students across the world take a vow of silence on a Friday in April. This quiet but powerful, student-led action raises awareness about the silencing effect of anti-LGBT bullying, harassment and discrimination.” My daughter, and millions like her, speak up on a daily basis, Steve Henigson. This is another means to bring awareness to a problem which is beyond “perceived”. Have a nice day! :)
Dear Steve and Jean,
My step-daughter, Lauren Ferrell, is a very intelligent, loving and giving young adult. If you’d take the time to get to know her you’d realize how vocally committed she is in defense of all victims of any form of discrimination, bullying and harassment. She doesn’t just care she actively fights for all victims. And to take one day to bring attention and open a dialogue about this important issue is commendable.
I applaud you, Lauren, for standing up for the rights of others even in the face of ridicule, which in effect is a major form of bullying.