One week from today, on Friday, April 25, our country will celebrate a National Day of Silence to help raise awareness of the silence LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered) people face in their everyday lives. More information about this day is available at www.dayofsilence.org. In the past, Dana Hall has participated in this event, and we plan to this year as well.
Students who want to participate need to send me reasons why they want to participate, and then I will send the entire list to all of you.
Students understand that if they need to speak in class for an activity that can't be recreated on another day, they should do so. They also do need to take quizzes and tests on that day, and they know they can ask questions should they arise. Every year we talk to the students participating to help them understand the significance of their actions and how important it is to speak (or not speak!) only for themselves. There isn't a right way to do this, but we have stressed that getting around silence through note-taking and charades doesn't really represent the purpose of the day. Please take a look at the list when it comes to your mailbox, and pay attention to the voices that are silenced. Your respect for the day shows support. Everyone, students and faculty alike, can show support also by purchasing a rainbow ribbon outside Waldo Friday morning.
Everyone participating will have a red and black ribbon and a card explaining why they are not speaking.
If you would like to participate yourself, please talk with your Department Head about the best way to make this happen. It's amazing how much learning can take place in silence!
Thank you for your support.
Yes, it's that time of year again. The irony is lost on so many people. (I had no idea that old site was still kickin' around!)
I will not be purchasing a rainbow ribbon, partly because I don't like the implication that anyone who does not wear a ribbon supports "name-calling, bullying, and harassment," but mostly because I don't feel like acting out The Sneetches in real life.
Students who want to participate need to send me reasons why they want to participate, and then I will send the entire list to all of you.
Students understand that if they need to speak in class for an activity that can't be recreated on another day, they should do so. They also do need to take quizzes and tests on that day, and they know they can ask questions should they arise. Every year we talk to the students participating to help them understand the significance of their actions and how important it is to speak (or not speak!) only for themselves. There isn't a right way to do this, but we have stressed that getting around silence through note-taking and charades doesn't really represent the purpose of the day. Please take a look at the list when it comes to your mailbox, and pay attention to the voices that are silenced. Your respect for the day shows support. Everyone, students and faculty alike, can show support also by purchasing a rainbow ribbon outside Waldo Friday morning.
Everyone participating will have a red and black ribbon and a card explaining why they are not speaking.
If you would like to participate yourself, please talk with your Department Head about the best way to make this happen. It's amazing how much learning can take place in silence!
Thank you for your support.
Yes, it's that time of year again. The irony is lost on so many people. (I had no idea that old site was still kickin' around!)
I will not be purchasing a rainbow ribbon, partly because I don't like the implication that anyone who does not wear a ribbon supports "name-calling, bullying, and harassment," but mostly because I don't feel like acting out The Sneetches in real life.
posted by Matt | 11:33 AM
2 Comments:
.........................
(I'm being silent to support gay people)
Wait--here's an idea. Why can't gay people be silent to support themselves?
Let's take this idea and run w/ it. Gay people... Please shut up year round. If *one* day is good, then *365* is even better.
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