Many Ohio University students will remain mute today to honor the National Day of Silence for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community.
The National Day of Silence began in 1996 at the University of Virginia, and the LGBT community at OU plans to make it an annual event, said Michelle Toomey, student employee of the office of LGBT programs and organizer of the OU campus participation.
"The LGBT community is doing this because silence is a highly visible way to get attention," Toomey said.
LGBT people have been silenced by discrimination and violence, she said. But now silence will be used as a positive power tool, a tactic to show those they encounter that they support LGBT rights.
"The Day of Silence is a day we can take to recognize the discrimination and harassment LGBT people have had to face," Toomey said.
Mickey Hart, coordinator of the office of LGBT programs, said participating students will inform their professors that they do not plan on speaking today.
"The silence will happen all day," he said.
Hart also said LGBT students will be passing out silence cards from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at College Gate to make other students aware of the Day of Silence.
"Anyone may participate," he said.
Laurie Burkland, resident director of Jefferson Hall, said she plans on taking part in the Day of Silence.
"I want to support the students and protest the silence that LGBT people face in everyday life," she said.
17 Archives
Alyssa Mitchell
