Days of 'Silence' and 'Truth' in Nation's Schools
 

(CNSNews.com) - A homosexual advocacy group has declared Wednesday a "Day of Silence" in the nation's schools; and not to be outdone, conservative activists are holding what they call a "Day of Truth" one day later, on Thursday.
 

On Wednesday, participating students will refuse to speak during the school day as a way of focusing attention on the "bullying and harassment faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth" in America's schools.
 

But organizers of Thursday's Day of Truth say their protest will be less disruptive:
 

"Unlike the Day of Silence, where students are supposed to refuse to speak to teachers and school administrators, the Day of Truth does not call for students to engage in activities which are likely to disrupt the school's academic mission," said Alan Sears, president and CEO of the Alliance Defense Fund.
 

He said the Day of Truth "is a day to speak the truth in a polite, winsome, and attractive manner, not a day to cause hardship."
 

Day of Silence
 

The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) estimates that some 450,000 students from nearly 4,000 schools in all 50 states and Puerto Rico will take a vow of silence on Wednesday.
 

Now in its fourth year, the protest has been endorsed by nearly 200 organizations, and several cities and towns have issued proclamations of support, GLSEN said in a press release.
 

Rep. Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.) has introduced a congressional resolution giving official recognition to the Day of Silence, but GLSEN said that resolution is still seeking cosponsors.
 

"The Day of Silence continues to grow each year because of the extraordinary commitment, leadership and dedication of students who want to make a difference in their schools and communities," said GLSEN Founder and Executive Director Kevin Jennings.
 

"Knowing that across the country, LGBT and straight students alike are taking a stand together to make anti-LGBT bullying and violence unacceptable in America's schools give me hope and faith in the future of America," he added.
 

At the end of the school day, some campuses will hold "Breaking the Silence" community rallies, GLSEN said, where students, parents, teachers and community members will come together to "share their experiences."
 

Also on Wednesday, GLSEN said it was officially launching a "Teach Respect Campaign" to "educate, inform and inspire Americans to address the serious problems of anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment that affects all students in our nation's schools today."
 

The campaign will use public service announcements in print media and radio to raise awareness of the harmful effects of bullying and harassment in America's schools.
 

A "school climate" survey GLSEN conducted in 2003 found that 4 out of 5 LGBT students report verbal, sexual or physical harassment at school; and nearly 30 percent report missing at least a day of school in the past month out of fear for their personal safety.
 

The study also found that "inclusive safe schools policies," teacher trainings on LGBT issues and student support groups such as Gay-Straight Alliances are part of the solution, GLSEN said.
 

Day of Truth
 

The Alliance Defense Fund said its Day of Truth campaign will give students an opportunity to peacefully express Christian viewpoint on homosexual behavior.
 

Students participating in the event will wear "Day of Truth" T-shirts and/or pass out cards during school hours, but outside of class time, with the following message:
 

"I am speaking the Truth to break the silence. I believe in equal treatment for all, and not special rights for a few. I believe in loving my neighbor, but part of that love means not condoning detrimental personal and social behavior. I believe that by boldly proclaiming the Truth, hurts will be halted, hearts will be healed, and lives will be saved .
 

"The Day of Truth is intended to speak the truth in a manner that is respectful and non-disruptive, said Sears of the Alliance Defense Fund, which is sponsoring the event and offering assistance to students who initiate it at their schools.
 

"By participating, students express their desire to show compassion for those who are targets of misleading campaigns by groups that promote homosexual behavior often without being fully honest about its consequences," he added.
 

ADF describes its mission as the defense of religious liberty through strategy, training, funding, and litigation.
 

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