I am a strong proponent of freedom of speech – EVEN if that speech is contrary to what I believe or agree with. Without protection for everyone’s freedom of speech, my own is thus endangered.
However, the Day of Silence is not about freedom of speech. It is a well-organized, well-publicized activity designed to encourage the homosexual agenda in our public schools.
Here is some information from the Day of Silence website (Everything is quoted from the website except the italic commentary, which is mine.):
About the event:
Through Breaking the Silence events, students can speak out against harassment and demand change for their schools and communities. It is important to notice the phrase “demand change.” The Day of Silence is NOT about freedom of speech, but rather is about promoting homosexual teaching in schools.
A testimonial from the website:
THE DAY OF SILENCE CAN BE A GREAT TOOL TO CATAPULT CHANGE AT YOUR SCHOOL! DOYOU WANT A MORE LGBT INCLUSIVE LIBRARY,TEACHER TRAINING,LGBT INCLUSIVE NONDISCRIMINATION POLICIES OR SOMETHING ELSE? IF YOUWANT SOMETHING TO CHANGE — YOU CAN USE THE DAY OF SILENCE TO HELP WITH YOUR “ASK!” The caps are theirs, not mine. Notice two of the things they suggest for change - a library with LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) books and teacher training. (See my next essay about the recommended books.)
Another student testimonial to see exactly how change was put into action at their school:
“The Day of Silence is a perfect tool for creating change. We wanted a queer-friendly prom, and after showing that many students and staff care—we got a queer friendly prom. We said we wouldn’t be silenced, and we won’t.” Pay attention to the wording here! The point of the DOS is not freedom of speech, it is to promote active change toward a gay/lesbian lifestyle.
Guidelines for setting up the event:
You should also establish a safe space, somewhere participants can visit if they are feeling stressed out during the day. The space should have snacks and someone to talk to, perhaps a supportive counselor or members of a local LGBT organization. For students who want to remain silent but feel the need to express themselves, offering them a space to come and write their thoughts on paper for personal reflection is a good idea. Does anyone want to guess how the “supportive counselor or members of a local LGBT organization” might counsel these kids? Based on reports I’ve read from others, their counseling does NOT include acceptance of a traditional Christian lifestyle because this is considered “biased, oppressive, and judgmental.” Where's the tolerance then?
Here are some definitions from the DOS manual – remember this is for junior and high school students:
Bisexual – A term used to describe an individual who expresses attraction for men and women.
Gay – A term used to describe one who identifies as a man and who is attracted to other male-identified people.
Gay-Straight Alliance – Refers to student-led clubs, particularly at the high school level, that work to promote respect for all students regardless of sexual orientation and provide a safe space for students that are LGBT, Queer, Questioning or Intersex.
Lesbian – Refers to a woman-identified person who is attracted to other women-identified people.
Sexual Orientation – The preferred term used when referring to an individual’s physical,
emotional, romantic, and/or spiritual attraction to another person.
Here is another testimonial from a junior high level student:
Originally we only knew of about 6 kids that were doing this at my middle school, but when we got to school we realized that about 2/3 of my grade was silent! It really spoke out and was awesome! I didn't know people weren't afraid to show this. I think it was awesome that it was a real success and I can't wait to participate in it next year!
And again, please remember that my issue isn’t with freedom of speech. Although refusing to talk probably is disruptive to the school environment, that’s not all the students do. They hand out cards about DOS, wear pins, etc. If schools won’t “support” the DOS, the students are encouraged to arrange it themselves. If that doesn’t work, the DOS website tells students to ask teachers to at least stand up in front of the classroom and talk about DOS and why it’s important, etc. Again, I would hope that if the situation were reversed and it was a Students for Revival Day, they would be allowed to do the same things, but that’s what bothers me – they wouldn’t. Furthermore, I do not think school is the place for ANY of this.
The purpose in holding a Day of Silence and similar events is to promote LGBT teaching in schools – from KINDERGARTEN. This is already happening as a result of LGBT lobbying, affiliation with the NEA (National Education Association), and involving students by making it look like a "cause" and starting young. An alternative lifestyle is being taught as acceptable or, in some cases, particularly where there is a strong LGBT community and/or teachers with this lifestyle, students are even encouraged to investigate this option before deciding whether to identify with males or females.
Before the Day of Silence, students are encouraged to decide what they want to ASK for and to tell people that this is their goal for the Day of Silence. Again, from the manual:
LET FOLKS KNOW! Make sure that Day of Silence participants are aware that participating in the Day of Silence is also asking for a specific request. Students at Hellgate HS in Missoula, MT made pins, posters and t-shirts
Those students at Hellgate High School now have a GSA club with the following on their website:
Mission Statement:
The GSA is a club aimed towards ending homophobic slang, feelings, and oppression within the school with the help of self-destruction. The goal is to reach the point where there is no GSA in the hopes there won't be any homophobia in the school. GSA is a safe place for kids to meet and talk about thier feelings with others in thier school and how they feel about homophobia.
School Involvement:
Like most clubs at school GSA meets once a week during the lunch period. GSA is open to all kids at Hellgate High School (Montana), any race or gender. GSA takes part in national events such as the Day of Silence where students at Hellgate High School can participate in being silent to represent the many people in the world who have a certain sexual orientation and can not speak of it do to the negativity from society.
At a GSA sponsored Day of Silence in California, they sponsored a panel discussion about LGBT lifestyle / discrimination issues and photo-narrative art exhibit that aimed to “incite dialogue, and to inspire transformation.” I am almost afraid to know what was in the photos, but based on the research I’ve done, my understanding is that the photos are the sorts of things you spend your time trying to prevent your child from seeing. Remember, all these things came from the DOS website on how YOU can do this at YOUR school.
So, what’s the answer?
As Christians, we definitely should be teaching our children to love others, but the Bible also makes it clear that we are to take a stand against sin, share the gospel with others, and teach our children what is right. Some people say they send their children to school to be “salt and light” to the world. I do believe children should be salt and light to the world, but within the ability of their parents to protect them as they grow to maturity for the Bible also says “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4) They are not to be thrown to the wolves.
So maybe I do have the answer. Exemplify love for others; do not be afraid to speak the truth, but do so with kindness; let your light shine before men. For your children, I do not think these things will be accomplished by attending 12 years of government school so... teach them at home.
Comments
Apr. 17, 2008 - Thanks!
Posted by Lachney1
Thanks for posting all this. I enjoyed reading it and didn't know most of it was going on. Please keep us updated. I enjoy reading your posts.
Blessings,
Penny