Truth Overcomes Silence

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Truth Overcomes Silence

Special Report - April 5, 2010
Students in North Carolina are encouraged to join thousands of young people nationwide in countering the promotion of homosexuality in schools by participating in the sixth annual “Day of Truth” sponsored by Exodus International. The “Day of Truth,” which is scheduled for Thursday, April 15 this year, was established in 2005 by the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) as a response to the pro-homosexual “Day of Silence,” an annual event created by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) that encourages students to remain silent throughout the school day to show support for students who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. This year’s “Day of Silence” is scheduled for Friday, April 16, although some schools may observe the event on other dates. It is important to note that the “Day of Silence” is not necessarily organized by school officials but more often by student members of Gay-Straight Alliance clubs, or GSAs.

The theme for the 2010 “Day of Truth” is “Get the conversation started,” and the purpose of the event, according to Exodus International, is “to counter the promotion of homosexual behavior and to express an opposing viewpoint from a Christian perspective.” Throughout the day, participating students are encouraged to wear “Day of Truth” t-shirts (which can be ordered online) and to pass out cards between classes with the message: “People with differing, even opposing, viewpoints can freely exchange ideas and respectfully listen to each other. It’s time for an honest conversation about the biblical truth for sexuality. Let’s get the conversation started!” Since the “Day of Truth” began six years ago, over 17,000 students at schools across the United States have participated.

“Students today have more questions than ever about life, relationships, sexuality and God,” said Jeff Buchanan, who oversees the “Day of Truth” for Exodus International. “I wrestled with these questions as a young man struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction and found that God not only had answers, but could change my heart and my life. We hope Christian students across the country will take advantage of this opportunity to demonstrate the love of Christ to peers who may be in a similar situation looking for answers.”

As in previous years, ADF is offering its services to help assist students who encounter challenges to the “Day of Truth” from homosexual activists or school officials. In 2006, for example, a high school student in Dunn, North Carolina, was suspended for wearing a “Day of Truth” shirt to school and distributing “Day of Truth” message cards between classes, even though other students had been allowed to participate in the “Day of Silence” the day before. ADF filed a lawsuit against the Sampson County School Board on behalf of the student, and in March 2007, the school board agreed to a settlement in the case, promising to revise its policies and allow students to participate in the “Day of Truth” and similar events in the future.

For more information about the “Day of Truth,” including a resource manual, a students’ rights handbook, and information on how to contact Exodus International or ADF, visit the “Day of Truth” web site.

In related news—for the third year in a row—some pro-family groups are urging parents to pull their children out of schools that are actively or passively participating in the pro-homosexual “Day of Silence,” which is scheduled for April 16, the day after the “Day of Truth,” this year. Organized by several organizations, including the Illinois Family Institute, Mission: America, and the American Family Association, the “Day of Silence Walk-Out” advises parents to call their local public or private school, and ask them specifically if they allow students or teachers to be silent in the classroom as part of the “Day of Silence.” If the answer is yes, parents are advised to send a letter to the teachers, school administrators, and all school board members, telling them that they will be keeping their child home on April 16 and explaining why. A sample letter is available on their web site.