Celebrities Show Support Their for This Year's Day of Silence
This past Friday was GLSEN's 12th annual Day of Silence, where students across the country took a vow of silence for the day to bring attention to the bullying and harassment of GLBT individuals in schools across the country. Last year I detailed my thoughts about the Day of Silence in a blog post, and I'm amazed at the growth of the event since the last time it was held. While 5,000 schools participated last year, the count was up to 7,500 for 2008. It's a truly heartening development, and it's good to see even more students standing up for their peers than last year.
Another interesting development was the high profile backers of the Day of Silence this year. First, CNN Host Larry King made a public service announcement for this year's initiative. It is especially fitting, since the effort this year was dedicated to Lawrence King, a 15 year old who was shot and killed in the classroom just because he happened to be gay. To view the PSA from Larry King, click here.
GLSEN also unveiled another PSA in support of the Day of Silence from former N*Sync star Lance Bass, who came out last year. To view the PSA from Lance Bass, click here.
It's good to see the Day of Silence get some more attention, as I think it brings issues into the fold that need to be discussed. No matter what one's politics may be, I think it's a common goal for all of us to make our schools safe for all students. Unfortunately, we're not quite there yet when it comes to GLBT students. No doubt we've made some great strides, though, and will continue to make them as long as people are aware that there are some shortcomings, and that we need to work together to make things better for all students.
Although I might not agree with school administrations embracing this day of silence and although I believe it could actually make life tougher by bringing things to the forefront, I understand the underlying motive.
Bullying has always been an issue in school. In the 60's, you were picked on because of your height or other characteristics. I can empathize with anyone who has to go through that as I was always the shortest kid in my class. In grade school I moved to New Jersey for a year; it was no different there.
School safety IS the responsibility of everyone and good school administrators ensure that but you are correct that it is a critical issue.
Politics should not come into play as safety is the only consideration in our schools.