A group of students at a US high school wore flannel and wrote ‘Anti-gay’ on their hands in an apparent counter-protest to the Day of Silence which is observed across America.
The Day of Silence is an annual protest organized by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network in which students take a vow of silence to encourage classmates and school administration to address the issue of anti-LGBT bullying.
The Day of Silence is observed on April 17th, however a group of students at Pennsylvania’s McGuffey high school allegedly organized their related activities two days prior because of a planned field trip.
The students wore flannel shirts and wrote ‘anti-gay’ on their hands, as well as posters being hung on the lockers of LGBT students, and in some cases escalated to some students being pushed, according to Pennsylvanian news station WPXI-TV.
According to WPXI-TV, the ‘Anti-gay day’ activities are due to continue throughout the week with a range of coordinated attire to signify solidarity against gay people.
Last week the school superintendent released this statement:
“Yesterday afternoon, April 16, 2015, allegations of harassment were brought to the attention of our administration. McGuffey School District, along with school police officers, continue to investigate all allegations. We will follow our Student Code of Conduct, and file legal citations, as warranted. We resolve to ensure that all children can grow and learn in a safe, supportive environment free from discrimination.”
Anti-bullying advocates are awaiting confirmatin that the students involved have been reprimanded for their actions.
