#LibraryNews - Loras College Library at Loras College

The Day of Silence is observed each year on the second Friday in April, this year on April 14. It is a national student-led demonstration where LGBTQ+ students and allies take a vow of silence for the day to protest the harmful effects of harassment and bullying of LGBTQ+ students. It is a way of “pushing back against the silencing of LGBTQ+ youth and the erasure of their experiences.”*

82% of LGBTQ+ students experienced first-hand harassment or bullying in their school.
71% of students reported that their classrooms did not include any LGBTQ+ topics.
More than 30% of LGBTQ+ students reported missing school because they felt unsafe or uncomfortable.
Over half of all LGBTQ+ students of color experienced in-person victimization based on race or ethnicity.

Many participants wear tape over their mouths or Xs on their hands to as part of their protest. Others carry small cards to hand out to people, explaining why they are not responding. Participants typically end the day with Breaking the Silence events to share their experiences and to advocate for the ways their schools could become more inclusive.

The day was first observed in 1996 in an event organized by students at the University of Virginia. The next year it was observed nationally with almost 100 colleges and universities participating. In 2002, following a student proposal, it became an official project of GLSEN (formerly the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) and they have organized the day since. Today students at all levels participate and it has expanded into workplaces and community events as well. Thousands of institutions have registered, representing all fifty states and a number of other countries including Singapore and New Zealand. Millions of people are expected to take part this year.

To find out more about the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth and how you can support them, check out our book display on the fourth floor as well as these ebooks. Also, the Loras College Alliance is our student organization that strives to educate, advocate, and support the LGBTQ+ community on and off campus. Learn more on their Instagram page.

* Much of the data and information on this blog comes from GLSEN.org.

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Day of Silence

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