HALF HOLLOW HILLS
Speaking Through Silence
By Alessandra Malito/ info@longislandernews.com

If you were to walk through the crowded halls of Hills West on May 1, you wouldn’t have heard the usual bustling of students opening their red lockers, socializing with the many friends who gather around a circle for as long as possible before going to class.

Instead of the between class noises the students at Hills West have become familiarized with, they heard nothing.

Those who walked through the front doors at Hills West that morning were greeted by volunteers who took part in the annual Day of Silence, a day to promote awareness of those who are harassed each day for his or her sexual orientation. The students are given a pass as they enter the building stating that they will be allowed to participate in the event without being penalized for not speaking up in class.

“I am passionate about it. It really does prove a point that students are refraining from being open about their sexuality because of harassment and bullying,” said Jeremy Sloane, a junior at Hills West, who firmly believes in this cause and gladly participated throughout the entire day without speaking. “It represents the idea that many gays and bisexuals, and lesbians are silent about their sexuality because they are afraid of being bullied.”

“We speak everyday,” continued Sloane. “Today, there is a special approach.”

“Silence definitely says a lot more,” said Frank Pugliese, one of the three assistant principals at Hills West, who feels that “silence is more powerful than words, because we are used to talking.”

He went on to explain that when one feels the absence of talking in the air, it’s something that one can clearly feel and notice. And had he been able to participate, he would have certainly done so.

“As a concept, it’ll be very effective and it really does express or expose what it’s like to be alienated,” he said. “You don’t fit in or you’re not a part of the conversation in general.”

This deep feeling of understanding was evidently mutual between student and administrator as they spoke, or wrote, their thoughts about the Day of Silence. The event is also a national event, which can be learned about further at www.dayofsilence.org.

“I truly believe in the cause and if I can prove this idea to just one person by not speaking, then it’s worthwhile,” said Sloane.