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Jonesborough residents protest LGBTQ Day of Silence UT Lambda members observe event in Knoxville
by
Beth Maples-Bays
A concerned parent contacted the Equality Herald regarding this and other events that transpired at DCHS today. Observing the Day of Silence, an annual observance of silence signifying support for victims of anti-LGBTQ bullying and violence, participating students experienced reported hostility from both students and school staff. The parent, supportive of the silent observance, reports that a number of DCHS students participated in the event. Some wore rainbow-colored tape over their mouths in an effort to bring attention to the victims of homophobic violence that occurs across the country on a daily basis. Both gay and straight students participated. Some wore LGBTQ pride symbols as well as keeping silence. Participants are told to carry a written explanation for their silence, available on the Day of Silence Web site. Reports from Jonesborough indicate that these students received harsh treatment at the hands of both peers and school staff. “These students were not only harassed by their peers, uncensored by the school I might add, but students were told they would face possible expulsion if they did not speak in class,” says one parent. “Staff and students alike left school early in protest of the school's 'tolerance' of LGBT and supporters. School officials, I am told, were seen forcing the tape off of student protesters' mouths. All the while, students wearing 'God hates Fags' shirts were allowed to walk the halls without censure. In addition, there was a small protest of two outside the school (off school property), where the protesters held signs saying things like ‘God forbids homosexuals’ and ‘Jesus even forgives homos’,” she explained. DCHS is a public high school located in the southern part of Washington County in Northeast Tennessee. It serves grades nine through 12 with a population of 1475 students. Area residents note that the Johnson City Press carried an article outlining the event in their Sunday, April 15, 2007, edition.
“[We did this to] break the silence,” explains Amy Davidson, current president of the organization. “We also encouraged members to stay silent all day and to use the print outs on the Day of Silence Web site to explain to their teachers/friends/etc. why they are not speaking.” The annual observance originates from the Gay
Le The following statistics come from the GLSEN Web site. Homophobic Remarks/ Verbal Harassment:
The annual observance has blossomed since its inception in 1996, spreading across the country as students speak out against violence. From their Web site: The Day of Silence is an annual event held to bring attention to anti-LGBT bullying, harassment and discrimination in schools. Students and teachers nationwide will observe the day in silence to echo the silence that LGBT and ally students face everyday. In it's 11th year, the Day of Silence is one of the largest student-led actions in the country. 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. From the first-ever Day of Silence® at the University of Virginia in 1996, to the organizing efforts in over 1,900 middle schools, high schools, colleges and universities across the country in 2002, its textured history reflects its diversity in both numbers and reach. Officials from DCHS and the Washington County School System were not available for comment at the time this article went to press. Efforts to contact them will be made as soon as possible. Visit the Day of Silence Web site at www.dayofsilence.org. Visit the United States Student Association online at www.usstudents.org. Visit UT-K's Lambda Student Union at http://web.utk.edu/~lambda. Tell the Washington County School District
what you think of their treatment of the students observing the Day of
Silence - phone: (423) 753-1100 or email:
www.wcde.org/education/components/contact/default.php?sectiondetailid=9&sc_id=1176953772.
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In
Knoxville, the UT Lambda Student Union sponsored a concert by gay
Christian pop singers, Jason and De Marco, held in the Presidential
Courtyard.
