Day of Silence

Waynflete’s Day of Silence will be held on Friday, May 12. This peaceful demonstration is part of a larger event an known as the National Day of Silence. It was started in 1996.

It is a day intended to use the power of silence and community to protest against discrimination,  and to honor and remember the voices and power of Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, and Queer friends, families, and community members here and in our bigger circles.

Recognition of this day is aimed at raising awareness about the impacts of bullying and harassment on the LGBTQ community.

Information revealed in a 2015 nationwide school survey suggests that LGBTQ students report improving conditions and decreasing verbal harassment based on sexual orientation and gender expression. The survey also showed that having supportive teachers and student allies was really important to academic performance and the mental health of LGBTQ students.

How can you help? Please wear red to show solidarity on May 12. We also invite you to use silence as a way of reflecting, empowering, and engaging in conscious compassion and empathy.

Some students will choose to be silent all day. Others will choose to participate in classes but observe silence elsewhere.

PRIDE will host a silent “sit in” followed by open, guided discussion and reflection on May 12 from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in Cathie’s office. Faculty and students can participate and show support by joining us individually or attending as a group activity.

We hope that this event can be a meaningful day in support of civil rights and the LGBTQ+ community. Thank you!