The Golden Rule Pledge is an Alternative to Walking Out of School on April 16, 2010

by Staff
April 14, 2010

MEDIA ADVISORY, (christiansunite.com) -- On the Day of Silence, thousands of high school and college students will attempt to remain silent for parts of the school day to raise awareness about bullying and harassment of gay students. This student-run event, called the Day of Silence, is supported by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN).

A coalition of conservative groups (e.g., Illinois Family Institute and Liberty Counsel) has responded by urging parents to keep kids away from school on the Day of Silence.

Others are promoting the Day of Truth on April 15, where students will attempt to discuss sexual orientation issues with their peers.

Instead of avoidance and protests on the Days of Silence or Truth, students may signal their support for the safety of all students with a pledge to follow the Golden Rule. Cards have been developed with the follow message:

This is what I am going to do.

I pledge to treat others the way I want to be treated.

"Do to others as you would have them do to you."

For the third year, the Golden Rule Pledge is being promoted by Warren Throckmorton, PhD and Michael Frey, both from Grove City, PA. Throckmorton is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Grove City College. Michael Frey is Western Pennsylvania Regional Director of Campus Ministries for Campus Crusade for Christ.

Dr. Throckmorton said, "There can no doubt that GLBT students, as well as others who appear different, have been the target of bullying and violence. We believe Christians should lead the way to safer schools."

"Participation in the Golden Rule Pledge helps to demonstrate Christian respect and concern and builds bridges instead of walls," added Michael Frey.

About the Golden Rule Pledge, National Strategist for Gender Issues at the Southern Baptist Convention, Rev. Bob Stith said,

"What a wonderful opportunity to express our convictions in a way that is positive, loving and redemptive and to train our children to care about all people, to model the example of Jesus...Who knows but what this could even be the beginning of a movement that will turn the tide of school shootings and violence in the hallways."

Golden Rule Pledge cards are available for free download at the website: www.goldenrulepledge.com