Standing in Solidarity: Baker’s Day of Silence 2025
2025 Day of Silence at Baker
At Baker Demonstration School, we believe in empowering our students to become advocates for social justice and equality. One of the most powerful student-led initiatives at our school is the annual Day of Silence, which will take place this spring. This day provides our community with an opportunity to reflect on the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals who have been silenced and to demonstrate solidarity through meaningful action.
A Student-Led Tradition
The Day of Silence at Baker began in 2015 when a courageous 5th grade student introduced the initiative to our community. With her teacher’s support, she shared her vision with classmates, many of whom joined her in this act of solidarity. The legacy of this founding student continues through our Middle School Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA), which has taken up the mantle of organizing this important day of advocacy.
This tradition exemplifies Baker’s commitment to nurturing students who stand up for what is right and speak up for those who are marginalized or silenced.
Why This Matters Now
The Day of Silence comes at a critical time for LGBTQ+ rights in our country. This past year has seen a significant increase in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and attacks on transgender students’ rights. Currently, the ACLU is tracking 527 anti-LGBTQ+ bills across the United States.
Research consistently shows that the effects of discrimination and victimization against LGBTQ+ individuals are far-reaching and long-lasting. By holding this event at Baker, we’re raising awareness and teaching our students to be upstanders rather than bystanders when they witness injustice.
Our Middle School GSA
The GSA at Baker is a middle school club open to all students. It provides a safe space for young people to connect, learn, and support one another while educating and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. The GSA is advised by Ms. Toole (Art), Ms. Webber (Drama), and Ms. Crawford (Technology and Maker Space).
How the Day Will Unfold
On the Day of Silence, students across all grade levels will have the opportunity to participate in age-appropriate ways:
- Every student may choose whether to participate and to what extent. Some may remain silent all day, while others may choose silence for a portion of the day.
- There is no pressure to participate, but we ask all students to demonstrate allyship by respecting those who choose to be silent.
- Teachers will honor students’ choices regarding participation and will curate activities that allow silent students to fully engage in learning.
- Classroom teachers will create meaningful experiences appropriate for their students’ age level, which might include reading relevant stories or observing a minute of silence.
- There will be a morning announcement and school wide 2 minutes of silence and we will “break the silence” at carpool with music in celebration and pride for our community.
Walking through Baker’s halls on the Day of Silence is a powerful experience. The unusual quiet invites us all to reflect on how it might feel not to have your voice heard and reminds us why our silence can speak volumes.
Join Us
Whether your child is in pre-K or 8th grade, we encourage families to discuss the Day of Silence at home. Ask your children what they observed or learned, and consider how these conversations can extend beyond our school walls.
By participating in the Day of Silence, our students learn that they have the power to create positive change through peaceful, meaningful action. They discover that sometimes, silence can be the loudest form of protest.
For more information on LGBTQ+ issues in education and society, please explore these resources:
- NPR’s article on erasure of LGBTQ+ history at Stonewall
- School Climate for LGBTQ+ Students in Illinois
- “The Freedom to Speak (or not)” by Lambda Legal
- The ACLU’s mapping of legislative attacks on the LGBTQ+ community
Together, we can create a more inclusive world where every voice is valued and heard.