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WCSU to participate in Day of Silence

DANBURY, CONN. — Western Connecticut State University will participate in the Day of Silence on Thursday, April 19, 2018, on both the Midtown and Westside campuses, by raising awareness with fliers and tables to provide information and outreach. The event will be hosted by the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) on campus and is supported by the Office of InterCultural Affairs.

The Day of Silence is a student-led national event where participants take a vow of silence to highlight the silencing of LGBTQ+ persons at school. Though typically a K-12 event, GSA President Erika Sabovik has brought the event to WestConn due to her passion for the community. Sabovik suggests breaking the silence in conversation, as part of ending the event, with friends and family or other event participants.

The event is sponsored nationally by GLSEN, a U.S.-based organization seeking to end discrimination, harassment and bullying based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. The GLSEN website noted, “In the United States you do have a right to participate in Day of Silence and other expressions of your opinion at a public school during non-instructional time: the breaks between classes, before and after the school day, lunchtime, and any other free times during your day. You do not have a right to remain silent during class time if a teacher asks you to speak. We recommend that you talk to your teachers ahead of time, tell them what you plan to do, and ask them if it would be okay for you to communicate on that day in writing.”

Sabovik said, “Day of Silence is a very important day in the LGBTQ+ community, specifically for students. By taking a vow of silence, we stand in solidarity with others, reflect on the past and today, and raise awareness for the continued silencing of LGBTQ+ students in school systems all across the United States.”

Sabovik expressed hope that Day of Silence, last held at WestConn in 2015, will lead many people to participate and think about all the LGBTQ+ issues we still have yet to tackle, and to remember all those we have lost. “By taking a vow of silence, we make a difference and impact in the community, specifically at WestConn — working to make it a more safe and inclusive space. I urge everyone who can to participate and spread the word to others.”

For more information, email Sabovik at sabovik001@connect.wcsu.edu.

 

 

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.