Silence protests hatred

Today student, staff and faculty on campus will symbolically join thousands of others at all educational levels across the nation in a Day of Silence to protest the discrimination, harassment and abuse -- in effect the silencing -- faced by those who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered. \nOn the Day of Silence, participants will remain silent from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. while wearing buttons and cards that read:\nPlease understand my reasons for not speaking today. I support lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights. I believe that laws and attitudes should be inclusive of people of all sexual orientations. The Day of Silence Project draws attention to those who have been silenced by hatred, oppression, and prejudice. Think about the voices you are not hearing today. What can you do to end the silence?\nThis is the sixth annual observance of the Day of Silence at IU. The theme this year, "Breaking the Silence," recognizes silence can be broken through action. Many of this week's events will highlight ways IU has been successful in breaking the silence and, likewise, stories of how individuals break the silence imposed on them and their friends.\nHundreds of faculty, students and staff will participate in the various events planned throughout the week. Participants are of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions. According to a press release, supporters of the events include: the Helene G. Simon Hillel Center; the Center for University Ministry; the Office of Multicultural Affairs; the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Student Support Service Office; the Residence Hall Association; the CommUNITY Education Program; OUT and Ally.\nToday's events include a silent luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Dunn Meadow, a silent march beginning at 4:30 p.m. at Showalter Fountain, a Breaking the Silence gathering at 5 p.m. at the Sample Gates and a group discussion entitled "Multiple Minorities: A Minority within a Minority" at 7 p.m. in the Read Residence Hall Center Lounge.\nThursday, Beth Loffreda will speak at the Hate Crime Vigil at 8 p.m. in Dunn Meadow. And Friday, Director of Student Ethics and Antiharassment and Associate Dean of Students Pam Freeman will lecture on OUT in Greek Life at 7 p.m. in Woodburn Hall 120. Freeman is also the co-editor of "Out on Fraternity Row" and "Secret Sisters, two books on the subject of gays and lesbians in greek life.