Hillcrest HS's Day of Silence

The Hillcrest High School Gay-Straight Alliance facilitated the annual Day of Silence. The Day of Silence, created by the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), brings attention to anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) name-calling, bullying, harassment and effective responses while making schools safer for all students, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. This national school initiative, a positive educational experience, is an opportunity for students to work toward improving school climate for all students. The Hillcrest students made the choice to support this movement by not speaking for the entire day (the students carried a card to explain their participation in the event). More than one hundred and thirty Hillcrest students participated in the event and should be commended for their commitment to equality and social justice. Tayla Jones said “This special day brings attention to the fact that everyone should be treated with respect. The students at Hillcrest did a great job of standing up for what they believe in positively."