In light of recent news reports on suicides throughout the country, organizers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have launched "Stop the Silence," an antibullying campaign to address harassment of gay students on campus.

"This is an issue of concern to everyone in our community," university chancellor Biddy Martin said. "The suicide rates for gay and lesbian youth are appallingly high. Hatred, harassment and bullying have serious consequences. Let us re-commit to a safe, respectful and welcoming community for everyone."

The university's LGBT Campus Center reports, "Bullying toward students identified as LGBT, or those perceived to be, is a long-standing issue. While a number of LGBT students have committed suicide in the last few weeks, this is by no means a recent phenomenon, nor does it truly reflect the pervasiveness of bullying that students face on a regular basis."

The new campaign will include an October 20 vigil in commemoration of recent suicides. 

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