Please show your support of the Mt. Si High School's GSA's Day of Silence! This day which is observed at over 5,000 schools nationwide seeks to bring attention to how lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender students and students perceived as LGBT are bullied every day simply because of who they are.
Rev. Ken Hutcherson, a leader of the anti-gay movement in Washington state organized a small but well publicized demonstration at Mt. Si High shool and has proclaimed that he wants the Day of Silence silenced. Parents of students and other community members stood outside of Mt. Si High school silently to show their support for the Day of Silence and make sure that LGBT students knew that they were supported. Now you can help by signing the petition below so that the Snoqualmie valley School district knows that the people of Washington State support the Day of Silence and will not allow prejudice to stop an important educational event from taking place in future years.
By signing the following petition, I show that I support Mt. Si High School's students, staff, and families in their observance of the Day of Silence. This day serves to help us remember that every day lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students are bullied simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. We also remember that everyday heterosexual students are bullied because they are percieved as being gay, are transgender or do not conform to rigid gender stereotypes.
Every child has the right and the need to be educated in a learning environment that is safe and fosters self respect and respect for others. Schools have an obligation to provide this environment. The Day of Silence is consistent with the goal of providing a safe, healthy learning environment for all students.
I am saddened that there are adults who have chosen to protest the Day of Silence, an event that seeks to reduce bullying and increase the understanding of the experiences of a population that has faced irrational animus and violence.
While pleased that the school administration has not allowed bullying by adults to stop the day of silence, questions remain about whether the Snoqualmie Valley School district is actively seeking to meet the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students and those perceived as gay or transgender. We ask that you not only continue your support for the Day of Silence but that you implement additional policies and programs aimed at fostering a healthy and safe learning environment for ALL students. Providing such an environment should go well beyond anti-bullying programs. With respect to meeting the needs of LGBT students we hope that you will look at whether you are attracting LGBT candidates to fill faculty and staff positions, whether the curriculum meets the needs of LGBT students, and whether there are appropriate books that might appeal to the needs and interests of LGBT students in the library.
Again, thank you for your support of the 2008 Day of Silence. Together we help EVERY student reach their potential, free from bullying or intimidation.
Signed by:
[Your name]
[Your address]
