Thousands of children, teens and even adults go to school each day deprived of a positive experience because of insensitivity and cruelty shown by peers and staff.

Fourteen years ago, at the University of Virginia, the National Day of Silence was started as a student-led event to bring attention to anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools. Today, students from middle school to college take a vow of silence in an effort to encourage schools and classmates to address the problem of anti-LGBT behavior.

Recently, Kenneth Weishuhn, a gay teen from Northwestern Iowa, took his own life, after family and friends say classmates sent him death threats and made him the subject of a hate group because of his sexuality. The gay marriage law in Iowa has also created stir and attention.

“Obviously there is excessive bullying, especially if things [like this] keep popping up,” said Hollie Butcher, treasurer for Iowa State’s Alliance group. The Alliance group aims to educate the community on LGBT issues and support members of the community as well as to create resources and an ally community.

“Here [at Iowa State], I do think that LGBT members are treated differently, but it is trickier to identify because many times it’s not blatant discrimination,” Butcher said.

Butcher identifies herself as a pansexual.

“I see people for who they are not, what they are, gender doesn’t matter,” Butcher said, when describing her sexual orientation. At Iowa State, she has not experienced severe discrimination but has heard stories from others.

“Sometimes things will be shouted at me; that actually happens a lot,” Butcher said.

Often times the unequal treatment is minute and possibly even subconscious.

“People will assume without asking that I have a boyfriend. At times I don’t know how or whether I should correct them,” Butcher said.

With support and resources, Butcher has been able to become more comfortable while at Iowa State. Things such as the safe zone training stickers outside offices and student services have made her feel like the ISU community is more accepting. In high school, Butcher had not told anyone she identified as pansexual.

“In high school, many are silenced because they don’t even feel comfortable with their sexual identity because so many think it’s so taboo,” Butcher said.

Like many high schools across the nation, Butcher’s high school lacked resources for LGBT support and education.

According to a 2009 National School Climate Survey nearly 85 percent of LGBT students were verbally harassed at school because of their sexual orientation. More than 40 percent of LGBT students were physically harassed, more than 60 percent of LGBT students reported they felt unsafe in school, and nearly 30 percent reported missing at least one day of school during the past month.

The Day of Silence was started in order to combat issues LGBT students face. 

“We want to provide a safe space and give an open non-judgmental atmosphere with advocacy and support,” said Brad Freihoefer, program coordinator for the LGBT Student Services Center.

Although surprising to some, Iowa State has a sizeable transgender population.

“We have students whose concerns are all over the board,” Freihoefer said.

When students come out, telling people close to them can be scary and nerve-racking.

“We have the resources for people to navigate and provide resources to be successful,” Freihoefer said.

The Day of Silence has also created controversy among several groups who do not want their child’s educational time to be interrupted by the silence. However, the Day of Silence has a purpose often misunderstood by others- to put an end to bullying and harassment.

“Everyone encounters bullying,” Butcher said. “Those not in the LGBT community can’t avoid it either.”

Greater understanding and education can lead to a more tolerant atmosphere for everyone. The Alliance at Iowa State tries to incorporate and include others outside the LGBT community.

“Be an ally; don’t hesitate and give it a try. The more allies we have, the stronger,” Butcher said.

Butcher stressed the importance of allies, as they serve as a support system. Although Alliance at Iowa State is not hosting Day of Silence activities due to Veishea and transitioning, students can still participate in the day, by taking times for silence between breaks. However, if participating, students are advised to let their instructors know before class if they happen to be called on.

For more information on how to get involved in Alliance or Day of Silence visit dayofsilence.org or stuorg.iastate.edu/lgbtalliance. Alliance also meets at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays in Carver 268.