Contact: Warren Throckmorton, Golden Rule Pledge, 405-253-0778, warrenthrockmorton@gmail.com  

MEDIA ADVISORY, April 14 /Standard Newswire/ -- The Golden Rule Pledge is an alternative to the walkout of US schools planned by some conservative groups on April 17, 2009.

On that day, 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., American Family Association and Concerned Women for America) has responded by urging parents to keep kids away from school on the Day of Silence.

However, not all believe this is a helpful approach.

Instead of avoidance and protests on the Day of Silence, students may signal their support for the safety of all students with a pledge to follow the Golden Rule:

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."

The Golden Rule Pledge is 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.

The Golden Rule Pledge also may be expressed in schools where the Day of Silence is not being observed to signal an opposition to bullying for any reason.

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