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THE DAY OF SILENCE (TM)
On April 18, 2007, at least 2,000 middle and high schools across the country are expected to be much quieter than normal. Why?
It's the 11th annual National Day of Silence (TM), during which LGBTQ students and their allies maintain complete silence throughout the school day, echoing the silencing effect of anti-gay discrimination. Sponsored by GLSEN and the United States Student Association, the Day of Silence (TM) is one of the nation's largest student-led, social action events.
Here's how it works: Students take a daylong vow of silence, and, instead of speaking in class or to peers, they pass out cards with information about anti-gay prejudice and ways for students and others to "end the silence." The observance typically culminates in a "Breaking the Silence" event, during which students speak (finally!) against anti-gay discrimination and demand change in their schools and communities.
The free Day of Silence Organizing Manual (PDF) offers everything students, teachers, counselors and administrators need to know about implementing and learning from the Day.
Be sure to register your Day of Silence (TM) event!
Lesson Plans
In a 2005 survey, 75% of students reported hearing derogatory remarks such as "faggot" or "dyke" frequently or often at school, and nearly nine out of ten (89.2%) reported hearing "that's so gay" or "you're so gay" -- meaning "stupid" or "worthless" -- frequently or often.
Students make choices every day about how they will interact with peers and what language they will use as part of those interactions. Students control these choices, and, given the prevalence of anti-gay verbal abuse, a focus on anti-gay language is a perfect complement to Day of Silence (TM) observances.
Before the Day: Intention and Perception (PDF)
This scripted role-play can help students appreciate the intended and unintended meanings and consequences of anti-gay language. It also teaches key comprehension strategies.
On the Day: A Silent Lesson Plan (PDF)
Use this lesson plan about anti-gay name-calling on the Day of Silence (TM). No talking required!
After the Day: Speak Up: Interrupting Biased Language
Hopefully, after the previous lessons, students will make new choices about their own language use. This activity -- a 50-minute module -- takes that commitment to the next step: challenging peers' use of biased language. |
