What's it like to go through life remaining silent about your sexual identity because of social prejudice and even the threat of violence? Students who participate in Friday's Day of Silence will find out first hand. The national event is designed to let participants experience the kind of forced silence that many LGBT students face daily.

Almost 40 Uni students are scheduled to participate Wednesday in the annual nationwide quiet protest against discrimination and harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students and their allies. However, the number of Uni participants has dropped by more than 50 percent since last year.

About 80 Uni students, or slightly more than a quarter of the student body, won't be talking during school Wednesday. They will join in the nationwide Day of Silence protest against the harassment and bullying of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students.