Right to know

What information did I ask for, and why?

In my high school we did this thing called, The Day of Silence. Not all of the students took part in it, in fact it was mocked by the ones who didn't. The Day of Silence (this year is 4/17/09) is "..a project of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), is a student-led day of action when concerned students, from middle school to college, take some form of a vow of silence to bring attention to the name-calling, bullying and harassment -- in effect, the silencing -- experienced by LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) students and their allies.." (dayofsilence.com).

I took part in it, both years. We would come into school with a note that explained why we weren't allowed to talk during the day and could show it in class. The first year we did it, it wasn't a big deal. Some people made a stink about 'oh those gays just want attention'. Not everyone that participated was a part of the LGBT community. The second year we did it, was when shit hit the fan.

There were angry parents and community members at the school board meetings. People were crying and screaming. Even though it’s a public school people were waving their religious crosses in the air.

I was teaching head start at the time. (We have a classroom in our school.) I had absolutely fallen in love with this little Spanish girl in my class. She had this crazy curly hair and put a Spanish twist on her English words. Her and I bonded instantly and I looked forward to everyday I got to go in and see her. Her father was one of the people making a scene at the school board meetings. He made such a big deal that there was a news paper article about him. It turns out that this overly righteous man standing above everyone on his soap box screaming about Jesus and how gays and lesbians are the work of the devil, had a criminal record. He has statutory rape charges filed against him. Needless to say he took his family and ran out of town out of utter embarrassment. This meant that the little girl that I had gotten so close with was taken from me without even getting to say goodbye. I was heartbroken. No more would I get to see her smiley face and hear her yell "Miss Hillary!" when I came into the room.

My experience.

I chose to use this assignment to gain access to the school board minutes that covered that topic during that year. I sent a letter to my old high school asking for copies or scans of the minutes. I received a letter back saying that I was able to come in and inspect the minutes during times when school was in session from my former administrator Richard Snodgrass. I sent another letter restating that I had asked for copies to be sent because I am in Indiana at school (which is 3hrs away). I have not received a letter response however.