On Wednesday, the high school community was overflowing with silent people who had badges and ribbons thoughtfully placed on their shirts. Some wore reflective expressions as they walked around the campus, and some had meaningful smiles on their faces, proud to support a good cause.

It was Wayland High School’s Day of Silence, a day that brings attention to anti-LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender/Transsexual) name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools.

This year’s event was held in memory of Lawrence King, a California 8th-grader who was shot and killed on February 12th by a classmate because of his sexual orientation and gender expression.

The actual National Day of Silence is on April 25th, but because this date falls during our school’s April vacation, WHS had its own Day of Silence.

Approximately one hundred people signed up to support the movement on campus. On Facebook, WHS’s Day of Silence event had 88 confirmed participants with 90 additional supporters.

“The Day of Silence went very well this year. We had an overwhelming number of people signed up. I enjoyed walking through the hallways of the school and seeing people proudly walking, wearing their badges,” said Sam Lentz (class of 2010), who was one of the leaders of the occasion.

He further stated, “We are truly lucky to live in a place where gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people are free to express themselves. I am already looking forward to next year’s Day of Silence.”

Laura Dulude (class of 2009), who also led the event, described how she felt as she participated in the Day of Silence:

“It is hard to be silent for a whole day, and that is why a lot more students are not willing sign up. However, for the people who actually participated, it is a worthwhile experience. It is exciting to be part of a group of students taking semi-political action, and it makes you think a lot because when you can’t talk, there is not much else to do. I thought about a lot of things during the day; I thought about the people who chose to be silent and who are unwillingly silenced. It was a day of reflection.”

Students experienced how hard it is to be silenced. The direct experience helped them realize how difficult it is for people who are not able to express themselves about their sexual orientation.

“It was surprisingly hard to stay silent for the entire day. I did slip up a few times, but I felt like I was a part of something bigger,” said Jade Donaldson (class of 2011).

According to Monica Chu (class of 2011), “It was pretty hard staying quiet since I had a few friends who weren’t trying. Most of my friends were being silent and that was frustrating because we couldn’t communicate. Some people had notebooks and dry-erase boards, though. That was a good idea.”

Almost all of the faculty members wore the rainbow-colored ribbon that represents support for the Day of Silence. It was difficult for the few student leaders to deliver the ribbons to different departments, but teachers pinned them on as soon as they were offered. Jasmine Masand (class of 2011), explains how the faculty members’ support gave an impact to the student body:

“Many teachers participating in the event really helped to enforce the message that we were all trying to get across, which applies to anybody. I even heard students talking about their teachers participating. I am glad that many people worked together to make this day memorable.”

Students who participated in the Day of Silence were rewarded by the meaningful reactions from their peers. They were satisfied when people noticed and showed respect. Seth Lifland (class of 2011), was one of those students:

“The great thing about the Day of Silence was that a lot of people noticed it. It got the attention we hoped for. Whenever someone noticed I wasn’t talking, they had some kind of response to it. The fact that they said something back to me in response showed that we made them think. Together, we created a powerful symbol of tolerance.”

Hilary Sager (class of 2008) said, “This was my first time participating in the Day of Silence. It was a challenging, yet rewarding experience. I really appreciated how accepting everyone was of my voluntary silence, especially since they had to read my many scribbled notes. I think that it’s important to acknowledge the people who cannot speak and show them that they are in a supportive environment. I can only imagine how difficult it must be for them to have to suppress such an important part of their identities. No one deserves to be afraid that expressing themselves, however that may be, will lead to any form of injustice.”

Marybeth Sacramone, as a guidance counselor and one of the advisers for The Alliance (formerly the Gay Straight Alliance), had encouraged students to step up and lead the occasion on their own with each other’s support. She is impressed by what students have done and thankful for the community that has actively participated and supported.

“The Alliance worked hard to organize the day, and we had many students and teachers participating in this important event. It is empowering to know that our community can both recognize and empathize with the difficulties that many LGBT people face every day. Kudos to the Wayland Community!”