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Day of Silence
By E. Mendelsohn
Chapin joined an estimated 500,000 students at 4,000 schools in the 10th national Day of Silence. The Day of Silence is a project of the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, GLSEN, in collaboration with the United States Student Association (USSA). GLSEN defines the event as “a student-led day of action where those who support making anti-LGBT bullying and harassment unacceptable in schools participate in events to recognize and protest the discrimination and harassment—in effect, the silencing—experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students and their allies.”
Chapin’s involvement in what GLSEN claims to be one of “the largest student-led actions in American history” included a normal school day, but Upper School students and teachers were offered the choice of silence. Several forums allowed Upper School students the opportunity to discuss tradition and change in their community, especially as they relate to tolerance to others.
During class time, students and teachers who chose to participate in the day remained silent until 3:00 pm and wore labels explaining their choice. Others who supported the day, but chose not to remain silent, wore rainbow-colored ribbons. Still others chose not to wear anything at all. School concluded with the Breaking of the Silence, an intimate gathering for sharing about the day.
Before the silence broke, all Upper School students came together in the Assembly Room to acknowledge the day. Speaking and silent students and teachers staged quotations pertaining to oppression and silence. These included “I believe” statements inspired by Quinceañera, a play built out of Gay/Straight Alliance member statements that address the question, “ What are we going to do to end the silence?” Following the performance, individual students celebrated Chapin’s inclusive and safe environment and offered goals and paths for improvement.
According to a GLSEN 2001 National School Climate Survey, “4 out of 5 LGBT students report verbal, sexual or physical harassment at school and 30% report missing at least a day of school in the past month out of fear for their personal safety.” As the students who spoke at the Upper School meeting noted, the Day of Silence served to point out each individual’s responsibility in creating an open, accepting community for everyone. |
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