Day of Silence sends powerful message

More than 200 students and five teachers participated in A Day of Silence on April 25th and many more teachers wore buttons and black clothing to show support of LGBTQ students.

The day is sponsored by GLSEN's Annual Day of Action to spread awareness about the effects of the bullying and harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) students. Students who participated took a day-long vow of silence to symbolically represent the silencing of those students.

“I participated because it’s for a great cause considering many people in the LGBTQ community are bullied and this serves as a message to the bullies,” said Brianna McCarthy, a senior in health occupations. Students used their iPads to communicate as well as sign language and body language.

Whittier’s Gay Straight Alliance sponsored the event. “It was a great success,” said GSA Advisor Maggie McDonald. “We had huge student and staff support and I expect it to grow every year. It’s such a great way to highlight how inclusive our Whittier community can be.”

Senior Corinna Corriveau said, “I felt a part of something helpful and powerful. I have many friends who are in the LGBTQ community and I felt as though I was defending them.”