Schools all across the United States struggle with bullying in and outside their facilities. Administrators and teachers are challenged daily to create a safe and loving environment for their students. Therefore, Colonia High School continues to fight against bullying, however, students found the No Place for Hate virtual assembly on February 17 condescending for various reasons.
No Place for Hate assembly
No Place for Hate is a self-directed program helping all members of school communities eliminate bullying. The assembly consists of various celebrities and well-known individuals, that give advice and share stories that regard bullying. This program considers its self to be student-driven, collaborative, and customizable. The virtual assembly featured Tony Hawk, Magic Johnson, Dixie D’Amelio, David Dobrik, Anthony Anderson, and more. Furthermore, this virtual high school tour dedicates its self to promoting bullying prevention in schools with the help of the Marines and the ASA. To learn more about how to join the No Place for Hate movement and see how it can help your school create a more equitable and inclusive climate visit their website.
Was this assembly helpful?
Students today are very familiar with bullying assemblies like these. While many explain similar concepts, this particular event presents a different approach. By providing small clips from celebrities and changing the focus every minute grabs the students’ attention. However, are these assemblies getting old? Are they even helping the issue? After speaking to a few students, it is clear to say that they have a strong opinion.
Junior at Colonia High School, Alexa Leviten stated, “I feel like they just skipped a big part of their story that should have been told. Sometimes, in order to be able to relate, we need to hear about the really difficult times they went through, even if it is a bit sad or depressing.”
Student find No Place for Hate assembly condescending
This student makes a valid point that adults may not understand at first. The ability of the speakers to trust their audience with their story was lacking during this particular event. Students, partially high school students, need to be addressed through non-fiction statements. These stories can connect hearts and open minds to the opposing issue. Similarly, other students found this assembly rather condescending and fake.
Sophomore at Colonia High School, Joseph Sanfilippo stated, “The way the celebrities described their encounters with bullying sounded phony. It was unrealistic when you have the faces of Tik Tok and Youtube telling you stories about bullying while they’re making millions today.”
No Place for Hate
Although the students understood the assembly in a different way than planned, however, Mrs. Murphy felt it was a great way to enforce the issue. Although her statements did coincide with students in the way that she felt it virtual assemblies can be hard to follow.
Vice-principal Mrs. Murphy stated, ” Besides a few glitches with connection, some lagging, the overall presentation I thought, went well… I have already asked if this presentation can come back to the school next year live as long as we are not on tight social distancing guidelines.”
Generally speaking, Mrs. Murphy feels as though this assembly was such a success she had already planned for another appearance next year.
Further, has the pandemic deflated bullying rates in our school? Mrs, Murphy replied, ” Has it dropped, I don’t think so. What is still around is cyber-bullying. With more people online, not being in-person to have that human connection, it almost seems like the bullying occurs online. Overall though, it is still at the same as if we were in person. ”
SEL Check-Ins and Anti-bullying
Colonia High School not only presented this assembly, additionally, but they also continue to check on their students every week with SEL Check-Ins every Wednesday. This check-in allows students to as for help in a noncholant way. They can request a meeting with a counselor or even a teacher. This also helps the administration get a better idea of where their students are feeling and what changes they can make to relieve stress and offer emotional support.
Bullying Sites and Help
If you feel threatened or bullied please ask for help from a trusted adult, teacher, or family member. If you are looking for other resources here are a few that may help the situation.
