Students participate in national day of silence

Students participate in national day of silence

Erica Terrini

News Editor

Pieces of silver duct tape with the words “speak out” written in black Sharpie ink covered their mouths.

As some stood in silence and others spoke for their cause, student passersby slowed their paces to examine the group of about 10–some even stopped and approached the table set up in the University Student Commons Friday afternoon.

Those who worked their way to the table, covered in a rainbow-patterned cloth, were met by members from the student organization, Queer Action, who were participating in the national Day of Silence.

According to QA members, many students took vows to not speak the entire day and gathered student signatures for a petition to add gender identity and expression to the VCU non-discrimination policy.

“A lot of students came and signed the petition,” said QA member Jospeh Blanton, a junior sociology major. “It was really inspiring to see all the people that came out to sign.”

Blanton said he thought QA members organized the event well but the larger event – in terms of student turnout – was the Take Back the Prom that was hosted by QA Wednesday night.

“It was a prom for anyone who couldn’t have the prom they wanted,” Blanton said.

During the tabling event, QA members made their way outside to the Compass; some remained silent while others spoke out about the national movement.

According to the Day of Silence organization Web site, student participants in the Day of Silence continue to increase. The national movement was started by University of Virginia students 13 years ago. The UVA students worked to draw “attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment on campus.”

According to QA Senior Adviser Cameron Hunt, QA members will meet outside the Commons at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 21, before a rally at the Capitol. Rally attendants will wear red clothes, bring signs and take the Campus Connector or carpool downtown. The rally begins at 11 a.m.

For more information visit the VCU Queer Action Facebook group.

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