There was a hush in the halls on Friday, April 17, as students participated in a National Day of Silence. The event may seem strange to some students, but the day carries with it an extreme importance to those who participate and take part in the country-wide phenomenon.
According to the event’s website, the National Day of Silence’s purpose is to “bring attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment and effective responses. The goal of the Day of Silence is to make schools safer for all students, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.”
Giving this opportunity within the high school, students who want to take a stand against the discrimination of certain groups were able to. Over a dozen students participated, each with their own reason behind their silence.
Although students may have different personal reasons for choosing to be silent, they all agree that there is a larger purpose to their actions.
“It’s another way to spread awareness and be more accepting of who people are,” said senior Brad Slaubaugh.
The day is sponsored by the GSA club, and although many participants are not a part of the organization, the day still has meaning for them.
“It means sticking up for people’s rights,” said senior Ashley Yassin-Sutton.
Students roamed the halls, wearing red cards on necklaces strewn about their necks to let their peers know why they were keeping quiet, and spreading awareness about the negative consequences of bullying and harassment.