#21 - Day of Silence, Day of Truth Make Bid to Influence the Nation's Youth

by Kim Trobee, editor (Citizenlink.com)
http://www.citizenlink.org/CLtopstories/A000012435.cfm

'It's time for an honest conversation about the biblical truth for sexuality.'

One of the nation's largest gay-activist groups, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), is promoting its annual Day of Silence on Friday.

Daryl Presgraves, public relations manager for GLSEN, said the event encourages kids to take a vow of silence for the day to highlight what the group calls "safer" schools.

"What the Day of Silence does is it raises awareness about a pretty pervasive problem," he said. "Nearly nine out of 10 LGBT students tell us that they experience harassment at school."

But a closer look at the materials being distributed to educators and students shows there is more than an anti-bullying message being pushed.

For example, GLSEN's data sheet for kids called "How to Get What You Want—With an Ask!" encourages students to use the Day of Silence to get a "queer-friendly prom," as well as homosexual-themed books and teacher trainings in their schools.

Teachers are encouraged to discuss the Day of Silence with their students and observe five minutes of silence in the classroom as a show of solidarity.

Candi Cushman, education analyst for Focus on the Family, said the event turns kids into political lobbyists for GLSEN's adult-driven agenda.

"We agree that every student should be protected from bullying and harassment," she said, "and that no student should be hurt or ridiculed, no matter who they are or what they believe. But parents need to be aware that the Day of Silence unnecessarily politicizes and sexualizes the school environment, paving the way for classroom lessons that advocate and normalize things like same-sex marriage and cross-dressing."

One alternative would be to allow kids to participate in the Day of Truth on Thursday.

The Day of Truth is sponsored by Exodus International and promotes a respectful dialogue among students on the issue of homosexuality. This year's theme is "Get the Conversation Started." Students will be handing out cards between classes that read:

"People with differing, even opposing viewpoints, can freely exchange ideas and respectfully listen to each other. It's time for an honest conversation about the biblical truth for sexuality. Let's get the conversation started!"

Jeff Buchanan, senior director with Exodus, said it's no accident they named it the Day of Truth.

"We want to talk and have the conversations and it be laced with love and grace," he said, "but we cannot steer away from the firm foundation of the Truth when we do talk about biblical sexuality."

While students should engage in respectful discourse about gay issues, Buchanan cautions that some may encounter resistance at school. For that, Exodus has enlisted the Alliance Defense Fund to protect the legal rights of all students.

"They're being told one side of the message, and it can communicate that there are no other options," he said. "We really want students to be well-equipped, so that they can make educated choices."

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Learn more about countering gay activism in public schools: http://www.truetolerance.org/What%27stheDayofSilenceAbout.pdf

Learn more about the Day of Truth: http://dayoftruth.org/