High School students in Chaska, Minnesota, like many students across the country, were recently encouraged to participate in an April 25 "Day of Silence" a day when students across the country are encouraged to be quiet as a show of support for the homosexual agenda.

Middle school students attending Chaska's Pioneer Ridge Freshman Center also observed the day, but the Center changed the name to a "Day of Reflection."

Chaska Schools promoted the day to students as a "day for diversity," despite the history and origins of the "Day" described on www.dayofsilence.org as one developed and devoted to preventing bullying of gays and lesbians.

It was first organized in 1996 by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) in collaboration with the United States Student Association, The Day of Silence was first held at the University of Virginia, and has since spread across the nation's schools into a yearly event.

Most of the controversy stemmed from Chaska School District 112 parents who were simply upset that the school district did not properly inform parents and guardians that the day was scheduled or about the origins of the "Day."

The name change at Pioneer Ridge was particularly questioned, and parents said it forced them to question: "Was it changed to avoid the controversy that has surrounded the day in the past?"

Chaska parents said they, without question, expect and demand that their schools to put a stop to bullying for ALL students.

Why, parents asked, should one group of people be singled out, when no one should be subjected to bullying? And that led to questions over whether the day was actually designed to promote homosexuality.

Others objected to the fact that precious time is taken away from learning. While others point to other rights to speech, especially prayer, that has been quelled in the schools. Still others wonder whether if students know they have the option to opt out of the day.

Parents in other communities across the country have expressed similar concerns.

Just this month oral arguments were presented in the case of an Illinois high school student who was told he could not display a message that countered the pro-homosexual "Day of Silence" observation During "Day of Silence." Andrew Nuxoll wore a shirt featuring the slogan, "Be Happy, Not Gay." But school officials not only told him he could not wear the shirt, but said he could not express any message that would provide another view about homosexual behavior.

The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago ruled this month that Nuxoll, a sophomore at Naperville, Ill. Neuqua Valley High School can wear an anti-gay T-shirt to school to protest the school's annual Day of Silence.

Nate Kellum, an attorney with the Alliance Defense Fund - which handled the case said, "We feel very good that the judges understood our concern; and to that end, that Christians have the same rights as everyone else," says Kellum. "And Christians are not required to check [in] their constitutional rights once they step on the schoolhouse grounds."

According to Kellum, the First Amendment protects opposing viewpoints - and if students are allowed express viewpoints in favor of homosexuality, then those with opposing views should have the same freedom, she said.

Back in Chaska, some parents - at least those who were told about the day through their children - remain concerned and uninformed.

Learn more about this author, Amy Anderson.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Is it possible that society has its priorities confused??
We want to hear your view. Write now!