For the last several years, the Religious Right has been complaining about GLSEN’s annual “Day of Silence” in which students pledge to “be quiet all day to protest the discrimination, harassment and abuse—in effect, the silencing—faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students and their allies in schools.”
Among those most active in fighting the “Day of Silence” has been the Alliance Defense Fund which launched its own counter mobilization effort called “The Day of Truth” because, as they see it, “the Day of Silence is a misnomer, because what is truly being silenced is the Truth.”
As the ADF explained, their effort differed significantly from the “Day of Silence” because they have no intention to cause any sort of disruption:
“Unlike the Day of Silence, on which students are supposed to refuse to speak to teachers and school administrators, the Day of Truth does not call for students to engage in activities which are likely to disrupt the school’s academic mission,” Sears explained. “It is a day to speak the truth in a polite, winsome, and attractive manner, not a day to cause hardship.”
Which brings us to this announcement regarding the upcoming Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity:
On October 21st, people from all over this nation will give up their voices for a day in solidarity for these children. Red arm bands and duct tape will identify them as taking part in the Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity. They will carry fliers explaining why they are silent and educate others about the plight of the innocent children we are losing every day.
Hmmm … a bunch of students with red tape over their mouths all day, refusing to speak? ADF is probably already organizing a “day of truth” type mobilization to counter this disruptive effort. Or maybe not:
If your school harasses you about participating in the Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity we can help you. The lawyers at the Alliance Defense Fund have put together a letter for you which explains your rights.
Make sure and contact the ADF if your school continues to deny your rights. The ADF works for free for you.
Phone: 1-800-TELL-ADF
Fax: 480-444-0025
Website: www.alliancedefensefund.org
