More than seventy-five students and George School community members took a vow of silence on April 14, 2010 to bring awareness to the harassment of gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered people. Another seventy individuals chose to take a vow of solidarity, actively supporting the spirit of the day and the people who were observing the silence. Together, they participated in the nationwide Day of Silence organized by the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN).

“You take the vow for any minority group you wish,” explained Caleb Savage ’11. “Your silence for the day symbolically represents the people whose voices are silenced by harassment and intolerance.”

Individuals who took the vow of silence received a rainbow ribbon to wear for the day to let everyone know that they were not speaking. As part of the vow, individuals also refrained from using hand signals or passing notes. Talking for an academic requirement was allowed, however, as it does not harm the spirit of the day.

The Day of Silence is intended to help promote school climates where difference is values for the positive contribution it makes to creating a more vibrant and diverse community.