Students stand against discrimination in Day of Silence

Date: April 16, 2012

MARSHFIELD –University of Wisconsin-Marshfield/Wood County students are hosting a Day of Silence, Friday, April 20, joining the national event to bring attention to name-calling, bully and harassment against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals.

Students will take a vow of silence to illustrate the silencing effect of bullying and harassment.  The student group Students Opposing Acts of Prejudice (SOAP) will host a photo shoot at noon in the campus commons to allow others to show their support in a silent (posing with hands over their mouth) photo. 

The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network’s 2009 National School Climate Surveyfound that nearly 9 out of 10 LGBT students report verbal, sexual or physical harassment at school and more than 30% report missing at least a day of school in the past month out of fear for their personal safety.

Day of Silence events in Marshfield and across the nation will bring attention to issues facing our youth as well as encourage dialog to create action steps to change.