End disruptive and abusive behavior on the "Day of Silence"

The Day of Silence (DOS) is a student demonstration to protest "anti-LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) bullying, harassment and discrimination in schools." This nationally-organized protest is sponsored at Mount Si High School by the Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA) student club. Currently scheduled for April 25, this would be the third year in which the demonstration is held at MSHS.

On the DOS, participants wear armbands and remain silent throughout the school day. In the past two years, students were pressured to participate by what Principal Randy Taylor calls "over zealous" DOS supporters. Many students who did not participate were accused of being "anti-gay" and harassed and bullied by students who were supposedly protesting against harassment and bullying.

For two months, CoDE has been working with school and district administrators on this issue. Because of CoDE's efforts, parents and students have new assurances from school and district administrators that the abusive activities of previous years will not happen at this year’s protest.

On the Day of Silence this year:

1. All teachers will be required to teach verbally.
2. All students will be required to participate verbally in their classes if called upon by the teacher.
3. Recruiting will not be allowed, and students will not be pressured to participate. Additional training will now be required for all participants.
4. School Board members are closely monitoring activities, and at least one School Board member will be observing at the high school that day.
5. The School Board will be reviewing all district policies, including the ones that have been violated in past Days of Silence.

For more information, refer to CoDE's press release of April 4, 2008.

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