On June 6th, twenty five New York City schools were recognized by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) for their work in making their school communities No Place for Hate!
Approximately 350 students, educators and guests attended the No Place For Hate Recognition Ceremony at The New School’s Tishman Auditorium. Guest speakers and musical performances highlighted the event, but the real stars were the schools, each of which received a No Place For Hate 2010-2011 school banner. Schools from all five boroughs were recognized: Bronx Early College Academy, Brooklyn Studio Secondary School, Curtis High School, Harry S Truman High School, High School of Hospitality Management, M.S. 447 The Math & Science Exploratory School, P.S. 175 Queens, P.S. 18 The Edward Bush School for Leadership, P.S. 184M The Shuang Wen School, P.S. 193, P.S. 24 Andrew Jackson Elementary, P.S. 208K Elsa Ebeling Elementary School, P.S. 235 Janice Marie Knight School, P.S. 290 The Manhattan New School , P.S./M.S. 43Q, and Richmond Hill High School.
Nine schools were given special recognition as “Gold Star Schools” for their exceptional commitment to No Place For Hate: Bedford Stuyvesant Preparatory High School, The Brooklyn International High School, Grover Cleveland High School, Newcomers High School, Newtown High School, P.S. 22 The Graniteville School, P.S. 72 The Bridge to Success, P.S. 135Q The Bellaire School, and Tottenville High School.
Three individuals were awarded the Alexander Bodini Prize for Diversity for their extraordinary leadership. Ms. Julie Mann from Newcomers High School received the educator award and Michael Cannilla from Curtis High School and Carmen Coleman from P.S. 72 received the student awards.
ADL’s No Place for Hate initiative offers students, teachers, administrators and family members the opportunity to work together to combat prejudice and enhance a culture of respect in the school community. A special video presentation showcased the schools’ activities focusing on reducing bullying and promoting diversity and respect. The afternoon also featured musical performances by Broadway performer Kathy Deitch and the P.S. 22 Chorus, the same chorus that sang at the Academy Awards.
The students were greeted by Abraham H. Foxman, ADL’s National Director, who congratulated the students’ determination to take a stand against bullying. Keynote speaker Jennifer Zarin spoke about her experience as a target of bullying due to a facial birthmark. She was able to turn that into something positive and created an online initiative, called “The Birthmark Project”, to help encourage self-acceptance and to celebrate and embrace what makes us different. Additional guest speakers were John B. Harris, ADL’s incoming NY Regional Chair, Ambassador Daniele D. Bodini, Marilyn Butler, and ADL Regional Director Ron Meier.