Three men holding anti-gay banners at Lincoln East High School Friday morning prompted 10 to 15 students to stage their own impromptu protest of the demonstrators.

One student ran through the demonstrators’ banner that read “homosexuality is a sin.”

Administrators, school security and police, who were called at 7:21 a.m., patrolled the area to make sure things stayed calm.

“Our goal was just to go out and make sure there wasn’t an argument,” said acting East High School Principal Gene Thompson.

The gathering ended shortly after 8 a.m. Police didn’t arrest or cite anyone but documented the disturbance, said Officer Katie Flood. No students were suspended.

The incident took place during an annaul Day of Silence, promoted by Gay Straight Alliance groups across the nation.

The purpose of the day is to bring awareness to acts of harasment againt gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender students.

Ironically, East’s group has not been active this semester, said the group’s sponsor, Kim Glathar.

The school allows students to express their support during times they’re not in class.

Flood said officers didn’t know whether the demonstrators, who also tried to hand out pamphlets, were members of an organization.

The demonstrators gathered on public park land south of the school near the street where cars drive to get to the parking lot or front of the school.

The students made their own signs, opposing the views of the demonstrators, Thompson said.

Reach Margaret Reist at 473-7226 or mreist@journalstar.com.