Editorial: Day of Silence could lead to something better
April 23, 2008
By Editorial Board
School administrators and the school board have heard much from those who are concerned about hidden messages that come from the Day of Silence recognized annually at Mount Si High School.
Those students who stand up to show their support of friends who feel ostracized for their sexual preferences should be applauded for their compassion. The challenge for them, and for the rest of the school, is to take that compassion and extend it to all aspects of life.
But we must ask, has Mount Si High School’s controversial Day of Silence in support of the rights of gay and lesbian students outgrown its usefulness?
We think it’s a question that needs to be discussed and queried, but the answer must come from the students themselves.
Parents and faculty should be invited to weigh in, but ultimately the right to show support through silence belongs to the teens.
Before the question of usefulness is addressed, leaders of all student groups concerned and student body leaders need to come together and ask themselves what they hope to accomplish through events that teach tolerance and understanding. A facilitator might lead the group in exploring what that focus looks like – before, during and after such activities or an event.
How can success be measured? What are other schools doing that has worked well? Are there ideas worthy of bringing to Mount Si? Can the school’s Day of Respect be combined with the goals of Day of Silence to create something new and unique to Mount Si?
In effect, Mount Si students can take on the teaching role (with faculty guidance) to develop a program of diversity training that embraces the uniqueness of each other. Workshops, activities, speakers, listening opportunities can all be used to gain a better understanding of students who have learning or physical disabilities, diverse cultural backgrounds, family troubles or feelings of loneliness. Shared concerns, hopes and dreams might be the impetus that builds better citizens at Mount Si and beyond.
Isn’t that what high school is all about?
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From what I have observed so far regarding the Day of Silence, I believe that this type of agenda does not belong in a high school at all.
First of all, our high school students should be spending as much energy as possible on their academics. This type of agenda distracts the students from what is most important: preparing for a future in a competitive world. The Day of Silence, in the way it has evolved, has not only distracted students but alienated them, causing some to skip school or classes, and others to feel intimidated during their attendance. It is counter-productive to the school’s educational goals, and a disservice to our students who have enough on their plates completing their academic requirements.
Second, people of high school age should not be forced to take a stand on the issue of sexual preference. It takes most people years to fully understand their sexual orientation, and bringing this issue up at the high school level not only encourages sexual experimentation but creates additional stress and confusion for our youth. In addition, the strident way this issue has been elevated in the school leaves little room for neutrality among students.
Third, the divisive nature of this event is very ill-timed from a community perspective. What our community needs now is unity, not disparity. We need to work together towards funding to expand the existing school facilities and build new schools in our community. I have supported all the school levy attempts in the past, but after observing what I have concerning the way the school is misdirecting its resources and energy, I may think twice if the issue comes up on the ballot again. I would prefer to invest in a school that places academics above political agendas, and I would bet I’m not the only person in this community who feels this way.