"Day of Silence" (DOS) is an annual event promoted by GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, and is scheduled for Wednesday, April 18 this year. (Some schools observe DOS a few days earlier or later than the official date.) In 2006, over 4,000 junior highs, high schools, and colleges participated in DOS, according to GLSEN.
Many school district superintendents, principals, and faculty members also endorse, promote or allow DOS -- subjecting traditional students to pro-"gay" activism that violates their religious beliefs and right to a non-politicized education. To find out what schools are likely participating in this year's DOS, please visit Mission America's online list of participating schools. If your school is listed in error, or not listed and it should be, please let us know by emailing feedback@culturecampaign.com.
According to GLSEN, on last year's Day of Silence, over 500,000 students nationwide were confronted with mute homosexual peers and "allies" wearing stickers and passing out cards, which stated (in part):
"... My deliberate silence echoes that silence, which is caused by harassment, prejudice, and discrimination. I believe that ending the silence is the first step toward fighting these injustices. Think about the voices you are not hearing today. What are you going to do to end the silence?"
www.NotOurKids.com is a coalition of pro-family groups who object to the disruptive political hijacking of America's classrooms by pro-homosexual advocates. www.NotOurKids.com educates parents, teachers and America about the deceptive agenda behind GLSEN's Day of Silence. The coalition seeks to protect America's youth from being pressured to approve of homosexual, bisexual, or "transgender" behavior.
"Teenagers deserve an opportunity to study English, history, math, and science -- without being subjected to pro-homosexual proselytizing sanctioned by school authorities. Students shouldn't be forced to self-censor or adopt beliefs contrary to those of their parents and places of worship," said Linda Harvey of Mission America, a coalition member. "Even the strongest of our junior high and high school children are not equipped to serve as frontline soldiers in this culture war.Culture Campaign and NotOurKids.com recommends that you call your local school and ask:
(1) Does the school have a ‘gay’ club, or ‘Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA)?
(2) Will any students at all in the school be allowed to participate in the Day of Silence? If so, find out if the school is official endorsing the event, allowing it to take place during the school day, allowing homosexual or other speakers to be brought in to speak before the student body – and any other questions you may have.
If the school IS participating, we suggest you keep your child home – out of school on The Day of Silence. It is officially taking place April 18, 2007, yet some schools are observing it earlier or later.
(3) Send a letter to your principle, school board members, and each of your children's teachers explaining why you will be keeping your child home.
Here's a sample letter you can either use verbatim, or edit to suit your situation:
Dear ___________,
Due to the administration’s decision to allow the politicization of the learning environment through the National Day of Silence, we feel compelled to call our child/children out of school on that day.
The administration errs when it allows the learning environment to be disrupted and politicized by granting students permission to remain silent throughout an entire day. The protesters have a captive audience, many of whom disagree with and are made uncomfortable by the politicization of their classroom. How many political protests will the school allow, and who decides which political issue will be allowed to disrupt the educational process?
Day of Silence participants have a First Amendment right to wear t-shirts, put up posters, and set up tables on which they provide informative materials.The Day of Silence participants go further, however, by usurping the classroom of every student in every class for an entire day in the service of their philosophical and political purposes. Their silence, and in some cases, the silence or their teachers, transforms the activities of the day.
Administrations must allow for appropriate ways for students to express their views while protecting the classroom from intrusive, political exploitation.
Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully,
Your Name
