Since the mid-1990s, the Day of Silence, organized by GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) has been a large part of student culture, with LGBTQ+ students and allies alike spreading awareness regarding the effects of the bullying and harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer students through a day of voluntary silence.

Throughout the past week, the Huron Rainbow Rats have been arranging for the happening of the Day of Silence at Huron High School. 

 “For Rainbow rats, the Day of Silence is a way for us to be more visible and remind people that we exist and that these issues exist,” junior Violet Neau said. 

A large part of the Day of Silence is advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. 

“The whole point is that we use it to spread awareness and make people more aware that we were here,” Neau said.

In addition to the Day of Silence further educating communities, it is also a form of recollection and reminiscence of the accomplishments and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community throughout history. 

“It’s sort of like a day of remembrance, a way of remembering how far we’ve come and how far we have yet to go as a community to achieving equal rights,” sophomore Lina Christensen said. 

To engage in this student-led demonstration of solidarity silence, students and staff are encouraged to sign up for participation for the Day of Silence this Friday, April 4. 

Sign-up tables for this event can be seen near the cafeteria.