So, today marks the first day of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network's so-called "No Name-Calling Week" - seven days in which the world celebrates holding it all back to raise awareness of the pain the words you can't say inflict on others. (Or something.)

What better way for GLSEN to kick of the week of silent celebration than with a man who knows a thing or two about calling people names: the one, the only Isaiah Washington. That's right, in addition to his forthcoming pow-wow with the GLAAD fags, Washington's agreed to have a meeting with GLSEN.

Sounding suspiciously like GLAAD President Neil Giuliano, GLSEN's executive director Kevin Jennings (pictured) remarks:

We are encouraged by the apparent sincerity of Isaiah Washington's apology and his recognition of the power of a word that, like so many others, has no place in our society. We would like to thank Isaiah and ABC for reaching out to GLSEN in what hopefully will be an important step in the healing process for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people and all those who were offended by the remarks.

But, if Washington's involvement in No Name-Calling Week can stop one bully from tormenting a wee fagling, all the press, hype and headlines are worth it. Plus, it's a great way for Washington to pull his name from the gay-bashing gutter.

We've pasted the press release after the jump. It's thrilling.

Grey’s Anatomy Star Isaiah Washington to Meet with GLSEN Today on First Day of No Name-Calling Week

Washington to Discuss Use of Anti-Gay Slur as Schools Nationwide Begin NNCW Events

NEW YORK – Grey’s Anatomy star Isaiah Washington has agreed to meet with GLSEN Executive Director Kevin Jennings this afternoon in Los Angeles to discuss ways Washington can team with GLSEN to ensure America’s youth understand the power of anti-gay slurs like the one Washington recently used to refer to fellow Grey’s star T.R. Knight.

Today marks the beginning of GLSEN’s No Name-Calling Week in schools nationwide.

GLSEN, or the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, commends ABC and Washington for recognizing the harm of Washington’s use of the word “faggot” and reaching out to GLSEN to turn an unfortunate situation into an opportunity to open a dialogue with America’s youth.

According to GLSEN’s 2005 National School Climate Survey, 75 percent of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students reported hearing derogatory remarks such as “faggot” or “dyke” frequently or often in school.

"We are encouraged by the apparent sincerity of Isaiah Washington's apology and his recognition of the power of a word that, like so many others, has no place in our society,” Jennings said. “We would like to thank Isaiah and ABC for reaching out to GLSEN in what hopefully will be an important step in the healing process for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people and all those who were offended by the remarks.”

Fittingly, the meeting takes place on the first day of No Name-Calling Week, created in partnership with Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing and supported by Cisco Systems and nearly 50 national education and youth-oriented service organizations. The fourth-annual No Name-Calling Week is a time for educational activities aimed at ending name-calling of all kinds and providing schools with the tools and inspiration to launch ongoing dialogue about ways to eliminate bullying in their communities.

In GLSEN’s 2005 report, From Teasing to Torment: School Climate in America, 47 percent of junior/middle high school students identified bullying, name-calling or harassment as a somewhat serious or very serious problem at their school. The three leading reasons students reported other students were harassed, bullied or called names were physical appearance, actual or perceived sexual orientation and how feminine or masculine students are.

Additionally, 69 percent of junior/middle high school students reported being assaulted or harassed in the previous year and only 41 percent said they felt very safe at school.

To learn more about No Name-Calling Week, visit www.nonamecallingweek.org.