More than 100 students across the Mars Hill campus pledged to refrain from speaking for an entire day on April 16. Participants used silence to show their support of the nationally recognized Day of Silence for people in the gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans-gendered community who have experienced discrimination.
“It is a day to give up speaking in order to raise awareness about members of the LGBT community who are silenced, harassed, abused or discriminated against,” said Kacie Cardwell, MHC student who helped to organize the day.
The Day of Silence first began in 1996 at the University of Virginia, and although not federally recognized as a day of awareness, is observed across the country.
Helping to facilitate the Day of Silence, along with Cardwell, were MHC students Seth Clark and Melissa Robertson. All three organizers are also members of Ethos, a student spirituality group on campus that focuses on social justice.
“Around 110 people signed up [to participate],” Clark said.
Students were able to sign up their commitment to the day at a booth that was set up on various days in Pittman Dining hall.
Once they signed up, each person received a card with a description of the Day of Silence, as well as a rainbow ribbon to wear that symbolized support.
“A lot of people went and hung out on the Quad, playing guitars,” said Cardwell. “Some people dressed up and made signs.”
One such student who participated was Kimberlee Williams, who remained silent and made a sign that read, “Love is never wrong.”
When asked about the different reactions they received, Cardwell, Clark and Robertson agreed that they got many strange looks throughout the day.
“People tried to get us to speak,” mentioned Clark, “… and one guy told me it would take forever to get the community equal rights.”
Although the event was not listed on the weekly calendar of MHC activities, faculty received an email about the observance the morning of the Day of Silence.
“In the spirit of hospitality, respect for persons, and love of neighbor, members of the MHC community are asked to recognize and respect our students, who are participating in this national event,” John Wells, vice president of academic and student affairs, wrote in the email.
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