National Day Of Silence Fights Violence And Discrimination Against LGBT Youth

Press Release

Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY) and Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) are urging awareness and participation in the annual National Day of Silence, a day in which students from around the country take a vow of silence to bring attention to the anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) name-calling, bullying and harassment faced in schools by students, teachers and other school staff. This year's Day of Silence, coordinated nationally by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), will be on Friday, April 16.

The National Day of Silence started at the University of Virginia 14 years ago, hundreds of thousands of students from nearly 8,000 junior high and high schools, colleges and universities, in all 50 states and Puerto Rico have since participated over the years.

Rep, Engel introduced H.Con.Res 92 in 2009, with 40 co-sponsors, to support the goals and ideals of the National Day of Silence. Rep. Baldwin is one of the original co-sponsors. According to GLSEN's 2007 National School Climate Survey, nearly nine out of ten LGBT students report verbal, sexual or physical harassment at school and more than 30 percent report missing at least one day of school for fear of their personal safety.

"Sadly, violence and discrimination against LGBT youth is all-too-common in American schools. It is a national disgrace that students feel threatened in school simply because of their sexual orientation," said Rep. Engel. "As a former public school teacher, I am proud to introduce this resolution. Americans need to know that thousands of children each day go to school deprived of a happy adolescence because of the insensitivity and cruelty shown by some fellow students, teachers, staff and parents."

"Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students continue to face pervasive harassment and victimization in schools. As students use their silence to demand safe schools, we in Congress must use our voices to support them," said Congresswoman Baldwin, co-chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus.

According to statistics provided by GLSEN:

* More than 85 percent of LGBT students have been verbally harassed;
* Nearly 20 percent of LGBT students were physically assaulted by their peers at school;
* Almost 40 percent of LGBT students reported that faculty and staff never intervene when homophobic language is used in their presence

GLSEN Executive Director Eliza Byard said, "GLSEN thanks Reps. Engel and Baldwin and the resolution's 40 cosponsors for acknowledging and supporting the efforts of hundreds of thousands of students to make their schools safer by participating in the Day of Silence. These students are coming together to raise awareness about the pervasive problem of anti-LGBT bullying in schools. That so many young people care about making their schools safer makes us hopeful that we can work together to make our schools welcome environments for everyone."

"The National Day of Silence brings an important focus to the bullying and name-calling that many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students have to endure while trying to attend school" said Joe Solmonese, President of the Human Rights Campaign. "All students, regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity, should be able to receive an education in a safe and supportive environment. We applaud Congressman Engel and Congresswoman Baldwin as they stand with LGBT students by recognizing this important day in Congress."

"It is tragic to have any child suffer and what makes this worse is that it is completely preventable. Bullying and harassment of LGBT students stems from ignorance and can only be repaired with education. By helping other students, teachers, staff and parents understand the plight of LGBT students, we can help these students live a happier childhood and enable them to earn their education free from fear," added Rep. Engel, who first introduced legislation highlighting the Day of Silence in 2002.

The Day of Silence can logistically be organized in any school, public or private, middle school, high school or college. However, in middle and high schools, getting support from the school administration is critical. GLSEN advises students interested in participating to discuss their intentions with their administration and teachers. Many schools allow students' participation throughout the day. Some schools ask students to speak as they normally would during class and remain silent during breaks and at lunch. There is no single way to participate, and students are encouraged to take part in the way that is the most positive and uplifting for their school.

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