Break the Silence against bullying event planned for today

Today, University of Wisconsin–Madison students will rally with students from across the state to take a stand against the silence that often surrounds bullying in schools and universities.

The Break the Silence, Wisconsin march and rally will take place on Library Mall at 4 p.m. before moving silently down State Street, where speakers and musical performers will ceremonially break the silence on the steps of the Capitol.

Event organizer Robin Matthies, interim director of UW–Madison’s LGBT Campus Center, says that Break the Silence, Wisconsin encourages people to join together against bullying in all its forms — specifically, harassment targeting the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Break the Silence, Wisconsin is the first statewide gathering in conjunction with the National Day of Silence. Fair Wisconsin, Gay Straight Alliance for Safe Schools and the UW System schools are organizing to bring our communities together to participate in this monumental event. Buses will provide transportation for both students and community members from each of the UW System schools.