This year, MFS returned to the Day of Silence rather than the Day of (No) Silence in the previous year, as the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) maintained the Day of (No) Silence.
On April 11, 2025, Moorestown Friends School (MFS) hosted the Day of Silence event, a yearly event created by GLSEN, a human rights organization, to highlight members of the LGBTQIA+ community who have been silenced.
Day of Silence, a day where members of the LGBTQIA+ remain silent for the purpose of “[bringing] attention to ways their schools and communities can become more inclusive.” In 2024, Day of Silence was given the new name of Day of (No) Silence by GLSEN. The GLSEN states that the change was made as “being silent is no longer an option.”
However, this year, MFS continued with Day of Silence rather than Day of (No) Silence.
According to Pride Club leader Parker Colestock ’25, the change from Day of (No) Silence to Day of Silence was primarily made because the date of the national event coincided with Spring Break at MFS.
“We thought it was important to do it sooner rather than later. Also, it was not exactly [Jenavi’s] or my choice because MFS had already moved the MFW to that Friday.”
Member and leader of Pride Club and the Pride Affinity group, Jenavi Martinez ’25, stated that they were “surprised” by the return to Day of Silence due to scheduling constraints. They noted that while both events are impactful in different ways, Day of (No) Silence, with time set aside to learn as a community, would “probably be better.”
History Teacher and Upper School Diversity Director Mary Anne Henderson added that this year, “things certainly feel heightened for lots of folks in their marginalized communities at this moment.” Additionally, they stated that they hope for understanding from people outside the LGBTQ+ community.
Martinez also stated that the Day of Silence “felt more impactful for [the MFS] community to do and more impactful for the support to be there.”
This year, participants in the Day of Silence wore black clothing, and allies who decided not to remain silent wore purple. Additionally, the silence was broken after Meeting for Worship at the Meeting House.
Explaining her experience with the Day of Silence, Middle School Diversity Coordinator Tina Corsey said that her first Day of Silence was “here at school” and that she has “always felt proud to have [her] ‘purple [clothing] on’ as an ally.”
Martinez added, “so much of the community was in support [of the day],” including “a lot of fifth-grade participants,” which the Upper School event leaders greatly appreciated.
Additionally, Corsey noted that being at MFS makes this experience a bit more special.
She said, “I’m not sure if all schools are allowed to express themselves like this. I love that middle schoolers are allowed to express themselves and participate in the Day of Silence.”
Henderson highlighted the importance of this event in their experience at MFS.
“The best thing to do is find ways every day to talk about the community so it doesn’t feel like we have this one day,” said Henderson.
In response to how support could be continuous after the Day of Silence, Martinez suggested speaking up and being an ally.
“Always advocate for your queer and trans friends. I think it’s really easy if you’re not in the community to take a step back, but you don’t have to do that,” they said.
Colestock suggested that next year’s facilitators “do something more active and less silent.” They also stated that the current facilitators “would love to see more participation and excitement to support the queer community during this challenging time for LGBT people around the world.”
