Day of Silence 2009

Lots of schools have an anti-bullying policy to protect students from name-calling and harassment. So, why do phrases, like “that’s so gay” and “faggot,” often go unchecked in schools? This kind of rampant homophobia in so many schools can lead to tragic results.

Eleven-year-old Carl Walker-Hoover hanged himself last week after students persistently bullied him in school. Carl was harassed daily and was often called “girlie,” “gay” and “fag,” according to his mother. Check out the video below for a CNN report on Carl’s suicide:

It’s ironic that Carl would have turned 12 on April 17th—the same day as this year’s Day of Silence (DOS). Thousands of students are expected to participate in this year’s DOS, a day to bring attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools. If you want to stand up and fight discrimination, then be a part of DOS: Wear red and remain silent throughout the day, unless called on to participate in class. Your silence will send a message that homophobia and LGBT discrimination has to stop.