Camarillo, Calif., April 16, 2009 — The Multicultural and Women’s & Gender Student Center at California State University Channel Islands is holding a Day of Silence, Wednesday, April 22, as part of a national movement bringing attention to the silencing of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) individuals and their allies. The day begins at 8 a.m. with participants remaining silent until the Break the Silence Ceremony at 5 p.m. in front of the Broome Library.
The Day of Silence demonstration reflects the silence caused by anti-LGBTQ harassment, prejudice, and discrimination. The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) 2007 National School Climate Survey found that 9 out of 10 LGBT students report verbal, sexual or physical harassment at school and more than 30% report missing at least a day of school in the past month out of fear for their personal safety. The Day of Silence helps to make anti-LGBT bullying, harassment and name-calling unacceptable in America’s schools. This year participants reflect on the 70 under 30 who have been killed because of perceptions of sexual orientation and gender expression between 1995 and 2008.
Check in will be from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. in the Broome Library Plaza. At check in participants will receive speaking cards explaining the reason for the silence, resources on how to inform others of their activism, and an armband to be worn throughout the day.
A Break the Silence Ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. at the Broome Library Plaza reflection pool, at which time campus community members, faculty and students will speak, followed by an open microphone where all participants are encouraged to reflect and share about the impact and significance of the event by speaking, singing, reciting poetry or any other form of self-expression.
For more information, please contact the Multicultural and Women’s & Gender Student Center at mwg.center@csuci.edu or call 805-437-8407.
For media inquiries contact Joanna Murphy, Assistant Director of Communication & Marketing at CSUCI, 805-437-8915 or joanna.murphy@csuci.edu.
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About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands(CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more by visiting CI's Social Media.