Stillwater Middle School students have taken a stand against hate after the school’s Dec. 1 “No Place for Hate” assembly. Led by middle school Spanish teacher Karina Ramirez and eighth grade math teacher MacKenzee Hemming, “No Place for Hate” is a program designed to improve school climate, explore identity, interpret differences, challenge bias and champion justice. The goal is to inspire students to speak up when faced with hate, support their peers, understand and respect differences, and work together to dismantle prejudice and discrimination within their school community.

The Dec. 1 assembly consisted of a student-led presentation that introduced and explained the “No Place for Hate” program to the entire middle school. It called attention to the shared issues amongst the student body and the goals students hope to accomplish this year through the program. Some examples included rumors and gossip, understanding identity and accepting differences.

At the end of the assembly, Ms. Ramirez revealed a giant Stillwater “S” drawn on a large piece of paper that students could sign during lunch that day. By signing the “S,” Stillwater Middle School students promised to adhere to the “No Place for Hate” pledge and uphold the following promises:

• I will seek to gain understanding of those who are different from me.
• I will speak out against prejudice and discrimination.
• I will reach out to support those who are targets of hate.
• I will promote respect for people and help foster a prejudice-free school.
• I believe that one person can make a difference – no person can be an “innocent” bystander when it comes to opposing hate.
• I recognize that respecting individual dignity and promoting intergroup harmony are the responsibilities of all students.

After the Dec. 1 assembly, Stillwater Middle School officially became a “No Place for Hate” school, joining over 1,600 schools nationwide who have also implemented the program. Ms. Ramirez and Mr. Hemming commented on what it means for Stillwater Middle School to be a part of this national movement:

“Being a ‘No Place for Hate’ school means that we have the tools to educate not only the students, but staff and families. Being able to accept everyone for their true identity whether it’s their nationality, their race, religion, no matter what it is. And just being able to respect them and appreciate them. Ultimately creating a climate of appreciation and compassion.”