UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA- The U.N.A. Student Alliance For Equality (S.A.F.E.), is an organization whose mission is to unify the students that identify as L.G.B.T. and Straight allies and also provide resources for all students at the University of North Alabama.
In 1996, students at the University of Virginia, in response to a class assignment on non-violent protest, created what is now known as the Day of Silence. The organizers eventually took their effort nationally. In 1997 nearly 100 colleges and universities participated.
S.A.F.E. will be planning a weeklong event for the Day of Silence that will take place in the Guillot University Center (G.U.C.) from April 15th to the 19th. The event will be used to educate students and faculty about bullying and what can be done to help prevent such things from happening.
Victoria Sparks – S.A.F.E. Vice President
Victoria Sparks, current Vice President of the U.N.A. Student Alliance For Equality, gives further explanation to the importance of the Day of Silence, “The Day of Silence is giving a voice to those who are silenced by anti-LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender) bullying in schools, and it raises awareness to our community. This doesn’t just help them know what to do in cases of bullying, but also helps them inform others.”
According to the official Day of Silence website, in a 2009 National School Climate Survey it was found that nearly 90% of LGBT students report verbal, sexual or physical harassment at school and more than 30% report missing at least a day of school in the past month out of fear for their personal safety.
“Bullying is a big issue and awareness needs to be spread.” said Sparks.
For more information visit:
http://www.facebook.com/UNAStudentAllianceforEquality?fref=ts
or stop by the GUC on the UNA campus any day between April 15th to the 19th. The tables will be up from 10 a.m. each day until 4 p.m.
