BUSHLAND, TEXAS -- More than 200 Bushland High School students showed their stance on abortion Tuesday by taking part in Pro-Life Silent Day for Solidarity.
Those participating vowed to be silent for 24 hours, hoping to be the voices for unborn babies who are killed because of abortion. Rather than speaking, students communicated with their teachers and peers through expression, movement and pencil and paper.
"I feel that even if just one person can make a stand, the people will realize abortion isn't the answer," Bushland Senior Sydnie Gregory wrote.
Bushland ISD was not affiliated with the event, but First Amendment rights gave students the chance to register for the event online. Many donned Roe v. Wade t-shirts, red pro-life signs, red duct tape with the word 'Life' written on front and red pro-life bracelets. Several pro-life posters were also hanging in the hallways.
FCCLA (Family Career and Community Leaders of America) students participated in the event last year, and because many other students expressed interest, the event was expanded to involve them, as well.
"I think it's important for young people, if they have a stance against something and they believe in something, that they voice their opinion," Bushland FCCLA Advisor Michelle Lancaster said. "And, you know, regardless of what their opinion is on an issue, they still have a voice and they're going to be our future. So, it's important that they start taking part in activities now."
Some students took their stand one step further. Bushland Senior Payton Coldiron took a moment to bear two tattoos stating his view on abortion- the words 'A voice for those who can't be heard' across his chest and the word 'Life' on the back of his right shoulder.
"I feel that when someone is incapable of protecting themself, then it is the job of people who can do something about it to take a stand," he wrote.
And when asked why such a strong stance was being made at such a young age, Bushland Senior Kit Watson wrote that age is insignificant.
"I believe that age should not be a factor when you are standing up for something that you believe is wrong."
Students from more than 1,400 schools across America participated in the event.
