Minnesotans around the state took part in the annual Day of Silence on Friday which calls attention to anti-LGBT bullying and harassment in schools, including Rep. Keith Ellison, many high schools, and even a traditionally Catholic university. An appearance by former Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe in Morris, Minn., gave added attention to the event.
Promoted by the Gay-Lesbian-Straight Education Network, the event “is a student-led national event that brings attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools.” Students vow to remain silent throughout the day to bring attention to LGBT issues in schools.
Rep. Keith Ellison’s office told The Column that he “is going to be blacking out his social media presence today and staying silent in solidarity with GLBTQ+ youth and their allies for Day of Silence.”
Maple Grove Senior High School recognized the event, as did Avalon Charter School:
And Sanford Middle School:
Day of Silence sidewalk art at Sanford Middle School (at Sanford Middle School) #photo pic.twitter.com/zKt7zEVYNq
— Michael Hartford (@mhartford) April 17, 2015
St. Paul Public School students got creative with their silence:
More Ss observing National Day of Silence.@SPPS_News @SPPS_SuptSilva pic.twitter.com/XwWZTGDxNF
— Creative Arts Secondary School (@sppscass) April 16, 2015
@SPPS_News Day of silence @SPPSCreativeart pic.twitter.com/ninLTNXK8U
— Jenny Wamsley She/Her (@JennyWamsley) April 16, 2015
Hastings High School, Highland Park Senior High, and Mound Westonka High School also featured the Day of Silence on their daily calendars.
Students at the University of St. Thomas held a Day of Silence and Night of Noise (last year’s event included university president Julie Sullivan.)
Winona State University’s Full Spectrum participated in the Day of Silence and held a Night of Noise:
Minnesota State University-Moorhead’s SPECTRUM honored the day.
The University of Minnesota-Morris honored the Day of Silence followed by an appearance by former Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe. Kluwe met for lunch with prominent atheist and LGBT ally Prof. PZ Myers, and Kluwe tweeted his trip:
The travel methods to get to UM Morris are… unconventional. pic.twitter.com/gf3nflmKVD
— Cassandra (@ChrisWarcraft) April 17, 2015
Thanks so much to Morris and @MAPFLAG for an unforgettable day at a very welcoming town. People were wonderful, hospitality was amazing.
— Cassandra (@ChrisWarcraft) April 18, 2015
Leaving Minnesota. Can't emphasize enough the friendliness of the people of Morris. I had a wonderful time.
— Cassandra (@ChrisWarcraft) April 18, 2015
Did your school participate in the Day of Silence 2015? Send along your pictures or experiences and we will add them here.