PORTLAND, Ore. - A controversial "day of silence" has generated noisy demonstrations, quiet reflection and school absences around the region.

Over 6,000 schools are registered to take part across the United States.

The silent observation is meant to highlight the plight of gay students who feel they must hide their sexual orientation for fear of harassment, bullying and discrimination, according to those who are taking part.

Those opposed to the activity say it is really a veiled movement to promote a homosexual lifestyle in public schools.

A number of Oregon City High School students and some teachers took part, writing their thoughts rather than speaking,

Other students did not attend school by choice, or in protest by their parents. Kirby Wallace, whose children attend Oregon City High School, said he is supporting them after they decided not to attend classes Friday.

The school announced the day of silence over the school intercom, but Wallace said no notification was given parents.

The principal at Oregon City High School told KATU News that she didn't think the issue was "a big deal" and refused to comment on camera.

In the Washington town of Snoqualmie, noisy protests against the day of silence were organized by Rev. Ken Hutcherson of the Antioch Bible Church in Redmond.

The protests included a police presence as about 250 people marched outside Mount Si High School.

Hutcherson had hoped to have 1,000 people show up at the school, which his daughter attends.

Hutcherson said gay rights activities should have been scheduled for before or after classes, not during class periods.

Students seemed split on the observance, some writing their thoughts on notepads, while others said they felt the observance was not appropriate and stayed away from school.

Supporters of the day of silence said the observance was in honor of Lawrence King, a 15-year-old California student who was allegedly murdered because he was gay.