LVUSD newly welcomed “No Place for Hate” for the 2023-2024 school year, an anti-bullying program. Although this organization has been around for over twenty years, it has recently been embedded into every school across the district to combat hate and promote equality throughout all district campuses.
Courtney Peoples, a representative for No Place for Hate and the LVUSD district, came onto the CHS campus on Dec. 12, looking for student perspectives on the program’s initiatives and how to better incorporate them around campus.
During her visit, Peoples gave a presentation on the No Place For Hate (NPFH) program, and introduced a district partnership with the Anti Defamation League (ADL) to bring the NPFH to reality.
“This year, we are proud to partner with the Anti Defamation League to continue making our district a place of inclusion and excellence for all as we bring the No Place for Hate program to several schools,” said Peoples.
Throughout her presentation, Peoples elaborated on the ADL’s in-school initiative and listed multiple examples on how to incorporate it at CHS. One component of the initiative, which the district is insistent on, is creating a welcoming and inclusive environment across all campuses.
“The Las Virgenes Unified District is dedicated to being a welcoming and inclusive place for all,” said Courtney Peoples via presentation. “We are committed to promoting respectful, conduct, equitable service, and celebrating diversity in our community for all students, families, and staff members.”
The presentation heavily emphasized that the program and its goals are applicable to all age groups across the district.
“The Anti-Defamation League developed the No Place for Hate program over twenty years ago,” said Peoples. “It is a program designed for K-12th grade.”
One aspect the district appreciates about the program is its effort to ensure a safe environment for all students.
“The program helps to create inclusive school environments that celebrate diversity and challenge bias and bullying by implementing activities throughout the school year,” said Peoples. “The program helps to foster a culture free from bullying and intimidation.”
On campuses where the program has been initiated, there are many different requirements which both faculty and students must meet.
“Schools form a No Place for Hate Committee [NPFH] composed of students and staff at their site,” said Peoples. “Students sign the NPFH Pledge. Schools implement three or more ADL-approved activities. Schools can use the NPFH sample activities or create and submit their ideas for approval.”
Completing all of these requirements establishes a “No Place for Hate” banner to display, something the district hopes all of its campuses can gladly raise.
“Each school meeting these requirements will be rewarded with a banner indicating they are a No Place for Hate School to proudly display.” said Peoples said
