"The Day of Silence is a terrific nonviolent way for students to express themselves," McCreary said. "I urge the schools to take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about their concerns. It is a learning opportunity for everyone."

Some parents in the district have contacted school and board officials supporting the district's decision to not go forward with the Day of Silence.

"It seems that would be pretty disruptive to classes and to what's being taught in school," said parent Adrian Parry of Provo.

"I send my kids to school to learn, not be part of a political statement," Perry said.

Cathy Martinez, director of the Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender Resource Center at the University of Utah, said she doesn't believe the Day of Silence is disruptive. The U. will have its event on April 4 since classes are out on the national day, April 25, she said.

"It's unfortunate Provo School District isn't allowing it," Martinez said. "They may perceive it as a promotion of the homosexual lifestyle. It's not that at all."

This year's Day of Silence is in memory of Lawrence King, 15, a California eighth-grader who was shot and killed Feb. 12 by a classmate because of his sexual orientation and gender expression, according to the event Web site, www.dayofsilence.org.

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E-mail: astewart@desnews.com