Newsletter

GSU's Day of Silence

By Eva Jo McIlraith

April 23, 2026

Friday, April 10th was a day of silent protest for Gender and Sexuality Union (GSU) and friends, as students across campus silenced their voices in solidarity. The tradition, first started by students at UVA in 1996 in response to the bullying and harassment of LGBTQIA+ students on campus, has now become a nationally recognized demonstration. Today, LGBTQIA+ students and allies around the country protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQIA+ people in schools. Participating in the day of silence is not only crucial not only for LGBTQIA+ folks, but is also a meaningful way for allies to visibly show their support for the queer community.

GSU organizers handed out rainbow pins to students all morning as a visual message to the campus that students were engaging in the Day of Silence protest. Students who were unable to silence their voices for the day were given purple pins as a show of support for the protest, encouraging those who chose to partake and standing in solidarity with the message. 

The day concluded with an open mic on Sadove Terrace at 4:00 pm to break the silence, where students, faculty, and staff gathered to share their own experiences as queer individuals and allies. Students and staff alike took to the mic to share their own stories and messages of support amidst ongoing attacks on queer rights and protections. Passersbye on Martin’s Way stopped to hear the meaningful words shared in a loud and powerful breaking of the silence. President Steven Tepper and Chief of Staff Miriam Merrill were also present, and attendees had the joy of hearing kind words of support from President Tepper.

So why is the message of the Day of Silence still relevant today? The day is essential for queer visibility and solidarity on campus in an ongoing fight for equality and safety from discrimination and harassment. As of March 31st, 2026 there are 746 active bills nationwide that threaten the rights of trans and gender non-conforming students. In 2025, 126 of the 1,022 anti-trans bills passed through congress, immediately impacting the lives of vulnerable queer individuals. Students took part in order to represent the ways that queer voices are silenced both in educational institutions and in the world at large. Thank you GSU for this fantastic opportunity to show solidarity for queer students both on and off campus.