Lawrenceville Raises Pride Flag on GLSEN Day of Silence

Lawrenceville wraps up its Pride Week celebration today with two events. The School day began with the first ever raising of the Pride flag, beneath the U.S. flag, on the Lawrenceville flagpole. Some Lawrentians are also participating in the GLSEN Day of Silence, a national, student-led demonstration where LGBTQ students and allies all around the world take a vow of silence to protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQ people in schools.

 “I’ve never participated in the Day of Silence before - and I didn’t even know of the holiday until last year - [and] I’m excited to take part and raise awareness,” said Eric Frankel ‘23. “The silent suffering that LGBTQ+ kids face in the closet is painful and necessary to be reminded of.”

Jamie Nicholson ’22 explained that the Day of Silence “. . . helps people to understand the marginalization of the queer community throughout history. Giving more understanding of queer experiences is vital in changing minds and helping rid the world of bigotry, and I am happy to see a lot of students participate.”

Rebecca Chou ’22 said that participating in the Day of Silence has always been “incredibly meaningful” for her. “There’s a sense of solidarity and community that comes from the Day of Silence, along with, of course, pride,” she explained.

The School’s celebration of Pride Week and observation of the Day of Silence “mean a lot” to Frankel. “I hope that this week is able to enter the conscience of the greater school community and make something of an impact,” he said. “I’m very grateful to know I have a place at Lawrenceville to celebrate my pride.”

For additional information, please contact Lisa M. Gillard Hanson, director of Public Relations, at lgillard@lawrenceville.org.