On April 11, schools across the world recognized the Day of Silence, a non-violent protest against discrimination of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Because of spring break DOS will be observed locally on Friday April 18.  The protest is a day-long vow that students take to represent and protest the oppression that the LGBT community live with.

“With the day of silence, people can see that they are not alone and see that there is support around the school.” sophomore Natasha Jablonski said.

Day of Silence started in 1966 at the University of Virginia with over 150 students to showcase a protest against anti-gay hate crimes. The movement spread nationwide in 1997 when nearly 100 universities and colleges took part. Students who wish to participate can get a pass to show teachers in the library or print off your own at dayofsilence.org.

“Last year when I did it I didn’t even know who was going to be there for me or support me, but when it came I saw how many people supported me,” Jablonski said. “And it raises awareness so even those who don’t support it, it brings the issue up in the light.”