As most probably know, LB19 was effectively killed when the Legislature adjourned after a filibuster by Senator Mike Foley on Tuesday, April 16. But all is not lost. Much has been accomplished this session! Many more senators are on our side than last year, thanks to the efforts of Citizens for Equal Protection (CFEP) and all of you who called, wrote and visited with senators.

CFEP Chair, Michael Gordon says, "We'll be back next year to reintroduce our anti-discrimination in employment bill and also we will introduce a funeral bill." CFEP and Nebraska Advocates for Justice and Equality (NAJE) believe, if given the opportunity, the governor will veto this bill. We must continue to work hard, as next session we may need a few more votes to override a possible veto.

Related Articles:
Fight against discrimination must continue - LJS Editorial, April 20, 2002

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An estimated 700 people took part in the "Human Chain for Equality" around the State Capitol on Wednesday, April 10. The chain was so successful, we were able to easily encircle the entire Capitol!

Thank you very much to all of those who helped organize and participate in the Chain. Events like the Chain help to put a face on GLBT issues, and show people in Nebraska that we refuse to be invisible anymore.

Source: Spectrum, April 2002

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GLSEN PRESS RELEASE

NEW YORK, NY -- Students in over sixteen hundred high schools and colleges, representing 49 states, will be participating in the April 10 Day of Silence -- an effort aimed at drawing attention to the discrimination and harassment faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth in schools. According to the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), the record level of participation marks an 800% increase over last year.

"We are inspired by the incredible number of students who will be silently yet powerfully standing up for themselves, their friends, and the ideals of safety and respect for all," said GLSEN Deputy Executive Director Eliza Byard. "For many schools, students will be offering a first-ever lesson on the toll harassment takes -- and we hope their administrators and classmates listen closely."

The Day of Silence Project, the largest student-led action on LGBT issues in the country, is a day on which participants take a vow of silence to peacefully protest the discrimination and harassment faced by LGBT people. Instead of speaking, participants hand out speaking cards printed with a message that explains why they have chosen not to talk. The event originated at the University of Virginia in 1996, after then-18-year-old student and Day of Silence founder Maria Pulzetti wrote a paper on non-violent protest. This year, 80% of participating students are in high schools.

"Students have used the Day for a number of years to draw attention to a serious school safety issue that schools have been slow to address," continued Byard, noting GLSEN’s 2001 National School Climate Survey, which found that 4 out of 5 LGBT students report verbal, sexual or physical harassment at school. In the same study, 30% reported missing at least one day of school in the past month due to fear for their physical safety.

"Please understand my reasons for not speaking today. I am participating in the Day of Silence, a national youth movement protesting the silence faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their allies. My deliberate silence echoes that silence, which is caused by harassment, prejudice, and discrimination. I believe that ending the silence is the first step toward fighting these injustices. Think about the voices you are not hearing today. What are you going to do to end the silence?" - Quote from "speaking cards" passed out by participants during the Day of Silence.

Participating Nebraska Schools
(from the Day of Silence Web Site)

Auburn Senior High School

Creighton University

Lincoln High School

Millard North High School

Millard South High School

Nebraska Wesleyan

Omaha North High School

Waverly Secondary School

Related Web Sites:
Day of Silence Project
GLSEN Web Site

GLSEN (pronounced "glisten") is the Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network, the largest national network of parents, students, educators and others ending discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression in K-12 schools.

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