Georgia Safe Schools Coalition

Today is the Day of Silence, a day first organized by students sixteen years ago in response to anti-LGBTQ bullying and discrimination. On this day, students across the nation (and in 60 other countries!) will be consciously silent in school, a symbolic act to bring attention to the name calling, bullying and harassment that LGBTQ people face on a daily basis. The Day of Silence is about raising awareness and creating a culture of respect in schools. And though students are choosing to be silent, the intent is that their actions will cause more people to speak up, start more conversations and encourage broader understanding.

If you’re a student who is participating, your brave actions show other students that there can and will be a change in America’s schools. You are changing hearts and minds — helping people to become more accepting and understanding.

If you’re a teacher, please take a moment to encourage any of your students who are participating in the Day of Silence. Even a small word of encouragement can speak volumes for these courageous young people.

If you want more information, please visit the official Day of Silence facebook page at:

http://www.dayofsilence.org/

Welcome to the new and improved Georgia Safe Schools Coalition website! We just overhauled the entire site to this new format and we are now in the process of updating all the information in the various sections. Please pardon our dust as we settle into our new cyber home.

If you have suggestions or questions feel free to leave a comment here or use our contact for to send us an email.

On January 25, 2012, LGBT & allied students, adults, and organizations across the country are encouraged to celebrate National Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) Day. GSA Day will be a time to strengthen the bond between LGBT people and straight allies, and in particular recognize and honor student organizations called Gay-Straight Alliances. These student-led groups work to educate their peers to stop homophobia, transphobia, and violence in schools and colleges throughout the country. Sponsors of the event hope that this day will serve as a “day of action” for these student groups to employ creative ways to be visible, honor those who have shown dedication in ensuring all students feel safe and supported, and prepare for the future.

Recent studies have shown that the presence of an active GSA significantly reduces the incidence of bullying, harassment, use of homophobic language, and LGBT youth isolation and suicide in schools and colleges. Support for National GSA Day has steadily grown since the event’s announcement in June. Among the organizations joining the Georgia Safe Schools Coalition in sponsoring National GSA Day are Campus Pride, Georgia Equality, the Make It Better Project, the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), the National GSA Network and 40 other organizations.

GSA Day will be an opportunity for students and supportive community members and organizations to take the initiative to let lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and straight allied (LGBTA) students know that they are not alone and that their work in creating safe learning environments is important to our schools, our communities and our country. Community members and organizations of all backgrounds are encouraged to organize and participate in local events for January’s celebration.