High schools, colleges and middle schools all over the United States observed The Day of Silence on Friday, April 25. Emmett O'Brien had one hundred and five students sign up to participate by signing an anti-bigotry pledge to remain silent on that day.  The Day of Silence was started by the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) to overcome name-calling and bigotry experienced by many people who have had to remain silent about their sexual and gender preferences.

This year's Day of Silence was in memory of Lawrence King, a California eighth grader who was shot and killed on February 12, 2008 in his English class by a classmate bacause of his sexual orientation and gender expression.  Thousands of students participated in the Day of Silence to address the very real problem of anti LGBT behavior, and bullying in general.

The Emmett O'Brien group broadened the scope of the day to include all forms of bullying and name-calling behavior. Some shop students signed up as supporters because the use of speech in shop areas is often necessary to prevent any hazards.  During the last part of seventh period, the Emmett students held a feedback session where a discussion took place.  Reactions of peers, personal feelings, and suggestions for future Days of Silence were part of the dialogue.