This week, as students across the country observe the annual Day of Silence, in solidarity with their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender classmates and friends, it is imperative that the rest of us speak up and support their efforts to make our classrooms safer and more welcoming for every student, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Making schools in our nation safe for all youth, particularly LGBT young people, has long been among PFLAG's top priorities. That's why PFLAG is so proud to work alongside other organizations, such as GLSEN (the sponsor of the Day of Silence), to ensure that our schools are safe, welcoming and respectful of every child.  As the recent, tragic murder of Lawrence King in Oxnard, California, shows us, we have a long way to go in making our schools safe.  It is up to each of us - whether we are a parent, family member, teacher or other ally - to educate school administrations about the importance of making our classrooms welcoming for LGBT students.

That's why, this year, PFLAG is asking you to support the Day of Silence by speaking out.

If your child's school is observing this year's Day of Silence, call school administrators and thank them for supporting this important day.  Or, if your child's school is not participating, call and ask school officials to consider joining the Day of Silence and supporting their LGBT students.

And, for more information on other steps you can take to make schools in your community safer, click here.

Nearly two-thirds of GLBT students report being verbally harassed because of their sexual orientation. About half are harassed because of their gender expression, and nearly 20 percent hear homophobic remarks from staff.  That's simply unacceptable, and each of us owes it to our children to speak up and work to end harassment and homophobia in our schools.  So this week, as so many students go silent, join PFLAG families as we speak up and demand change in the classroom.

Sincerely,

John R. Cepek
PFLAG National President

P.S.:  On Wednesday, PFLAG executive director Jody Huckaby will join the Los Angeles Unified School District, and producers of the upcoming film Tru Loved, as they salute 850 LAUSD students who are observing this year's Day of Silence. For more information on this incredible event, click here. Then, work in your own community to make our schools safer, and more welcoming, for everyone!