Love Evolution is hosting their annual Day of Silence on April 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the California State University, Stanislaus quad.
This event encourages all students, regardless of their sexual orientation and gender expression, to take a vow of silence to call attention to the silencing effect of anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) bullying and harassment in schools.
According to statistics from the LGBT community, about nine out of ten LGBT students are harassed at school due to their social orientation, and one fourth of all students from elementary through high school are victims of bullying and harassment while on school property because of their race, ethnicity, gender, disability, religion or sexual orientation.
A Day of Silence is intended to combat name-calling and promote a safe, equal opportunity environment for every student, regardless of their social orientation.
Love Evolution aims to encourage schools to adopt and implement a comprehensive anti-bullying policy that enumerates categories such as race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity.
“Students should attend the event to help end the silence of the LGBT community who are bullied every day,” Rolan Resendiz (President of Love Evolution) said. “Let’s increase awareness to the challenges we face.”
There will be a booth at the event with information on the effects of bullying along with other activities to endorse anti-bullying.
Students that decide to participate and take the vow of silence will receive a “speaking card” to place around their necks explaining the meaning behind the commitment they have for the Day of Silence.
“People should participate because bullying and harassment affects everyone,” Jonathan Cabusao (senior, Nursing Major) said. “You may not have been directly bullied or harassed, but there is someone you know who has.”
The Day of Silence is meant to involve people from all walks of life, regardless of whether they are a member of the LGBT community.
“I am a straight male who has never experienced gay bullying, but I have a bisexual sister and I believe that everyone should be treated equally- therefore, I will attend,” Jose Luna (senior, Liberal Studies) said.
For more information on how to get involved, contact committee head Jonathan Cabusao at 510-512-2243.