(Hastings, Neb.) - The Hastings College Alliance organization will hold a “Day of Silence” and recognition all day, Wednesday, April 15 followed by a discussion panel at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16 in the Wilson Auditorium.

The “Day of Silence” is held to commemorate the many gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people who feel they must be silent about their sexual orientation. The Alliance promotes, and educates about, safety, dignity, respect and acceptance for students of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.

The day will begin at 10 a.m. on Wednesday with a service in French Memorial Chapel led by Rev. Gary George who is director of Omaha’s Hospice House. Rev. George is an openly gay man who released his ministry credentials upon coming out.

Many Hastings College students will observe the day by wearing rainbow-and-black ribbons and committing to be silent. Others are encouraged to wear a rainbow-and-white ribbon to show their solidarity without committing to being silent. The day will end at 7 p.m. with a “Breaking the Silence” vigil and celebration at French Memorial Chapel featuring students who have been silent throughout the day, and many others, speaking, reading, or performing pieces to celebrate the freedom not to be silent.

“Rainbows and Religion: Christianity and the Gay Community,” a panel discussion, will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 16 in the Wilson Auditorium. Students are invited to submit questions via e-mail to be addressed during the discussion.

No registration is necessary for these events. They are open to all students and the Hastings community. If you would like to know more or have any questions, contact faculty Alliance co-sponsors Antje Anderson aanderson@hastings.edu or Constance Malloy cmalloy@hastings.edu.