BETHEL — Nearly 60 students at Telstar Regional High School took part in Day of Silence on Friday, a national youth-run effort to protest the silencing of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students due to harassment, bias and abuse in schools.
In Val Forman’s history class, she taught a lesson without speaking and a sign posted on a empty desk symbolized the voices that have been silenced because of harassment and bullying. The sign asked people to support the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and the right to self expression.
Forman said the school’s National Honor Society organized the day.
One of those taking part was a sophomore girl who carried the card advocating diversity.
“My sister is bisexual,” she said. “The Day of Silence is a good thing. It raises awareness. People should be able to live the way they want.”
Principal Dan Hart said the day helped educate both students and staff.
“We’re all different. We educate in bullying in general through health classes, guidance, the social worker and with the staff,” he said. “It’s about the importance of tolerance and diversity.”
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