Students Suspended for National Day of Silence

Schools across the globe spoke out yesterday in protest by not saying a word in support of gay lesbian bisexual and transgender students, who face discrimination and violence everyday, while in a classroom setting.

"Please understand my reasons for not speaking today. I am participating in the Day of Silence, a national youth movement protesting the silence faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their allies in schools. My deliberate silence echoes that silence, which is caused by harassment, prejudice, and discrimination. I believe that ending the silence is the first step toward fighting these injustices. Think about the voices you are not hearing today. What are you going to do to end the silence?"

Yet, students at Rio Linda High School in California who had opposing view points were met with suspension after refusing to take off anti gay tee shirts in protest of National Day of Silence.

While the majority of the classmates at Rio Linda High were in participation of this day there were 6 students carrying signs, picketing and protesting on the school grounds.  Several felt the suspensions were unfair, because in the past students have worn t-shirts with phrases such as "Sodomy is Sin" and "Hate is a Sin."  The students who wore these shirts weren't met with any type of disciplinary action, let alone a suspension.