Because You Asked
By Bobbi Mlynar
Originally published 12:49 p.m., April 1, 2008
Updated 12:49 p.m., April 1, 2008
Q I received an e-mail that told me the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network had listed Emporia High School as a participant in the National Day of Silence on April 25. Is that true?
A The truth of the e-mail could not be confirmed, as of this morning.
“... The EHS administration had not received a request from any student organization to formally participate in the national observance,” said Nancy Horst, community relations director for the district. “It is still possible that some individual students will choose to observe the National Day of Silence. The only rule is that they not interfere with the school day and classroom instruction. EHS students have participated in the observance in the past and there have been no problems.”
According to information from the religioustolerance.org Web site, students hand out cards to explain why they are not speaking. The cards say, in part:
“I am participating in the Day of Silence, a national youth movement protesting the silence faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their allies. My deliberate silence echoes that silence, which is caused by harassment, prejudice, and discrimination. ... Think about the voices you are not hearing today. What are you going to do to end the silence?”
“Break the Silence” events often are held by students later in the day.
Warcoach (anonymous) says...
Students should have a "Day of Silence" every day. Not to support any form of protest but I am sure the teachers would appreciate it if the students only spoke if directly asked a question. There would be less distractions in class, everyone would learn more, discipline would increase, students would learn self-control, teacher stress would lessen. Everyone would win. The silence would be golden.
April 2, 2008 at 6:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Great comment, Warcoach. I can see a day of silence or more is deffinitely called for gayzette whoever.
April 2, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wanderer (anonymous) says...
??? Kstrebuchet, I found the story just fine by typing "early release" into the search window. No censorship that I can see.
April 25, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )