Students and supporters across the U.S. participated in a Day of Silence on April 25 to demand an end to name calling, harassment and bullying of LGBT students.
The annual protest, which started in 1996, is an initiative of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). During the days preceding the event, organizers expected hundreds of thousands of students across the country to participate. Supporters remained silent throughout the day while showing a card condemning anti-LBGT bullying.
This year’s protest is held in memory of Lawrence King, a 15-year-old student who was shot and killed in class at E.O. Green Junior High School in Oxnard, Calif., on Feb. 12. King was targeted because of his sexual orientation and gender expression.
Anti-LGBT bigotry, just like racism and sexism, is a conventional tool for keeping the working class divided under capitalism. The Party for Socialism and Liberation stands in solidarity with students fighting all forms of bigotry.
