Students Hear Why Speaking Up Against Hate Matters

"This presentation helps to broaden our perspective on the world we live in," said eighth grader Abby. "It's a heavy topic, but it's important."

Abby was one of the seventh and eighth grade students at PMS who took part in a powerful conversation this week about bias, hate and the responsibility each of us has to stand up for others. School counselors Jackie Le and Pam Roth organized and hosted a special visit from the Westchester County District Attorney's Office and the Human Rights Commission.

The presenters addressed identity-based bullying and how bias incidents can escalate into hate crimes. A prosecutor from the District Attorney's Office explained New York State's hate crimes laws, including the 11 protected classes: race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, religious practice, age, disability and sexual orientation. He also emphasized the importance of being an upstander, someone who takes action, rather than a bystander, when they witness hate.

Understanding the reasons behind these laws was an important part of the conversation. Some students were unfamiliar with the terms used to describe certain historical acts of violence, and the presenters took time to explain them. That context helped students understand why hate crimes are treated as a distinct category under the law and why certain groups are specifically protected.

The presenters also spoke about social media, stressing how important it is for students to think carefully about the content they post and to understand the real consequences of harmful online activity.

That message resonated with students. Abby described how challenging social media can be, explaining that it feels like it follows you wherever you go.

Students were highly engaged throughout, and many came away with a clear message.

Seventh grader Izzy said she heard the message clearly: don't be a bystander, and do as much as you can to help. Jackson put it simply: "Don't be mean. Stand up for others who need help." Seventh grader Noah added that if you witness something, you can tell someone and get help.

Izzy and Noa also remembered a video the presenters shared in which actress Zendaya recalled being reprimanded at home as a child after she saw someone being bullied and did not speak up. The story showed students that staying silent is also a choice, and that even small actions matter.

Students were candid that speaking up is not always easy. Moments are often captured on social media, and no one wants to stand out from their friends. Still, they said that being an upstander feels normal at PMS. They were clearly drawing on lessons they have learned at school, and all agreed that being an upstander and the school's PAWS expectations are widely discussed and understood. Hearing the message from a prosecutor and human rights advocates, however, offered a different perspective, and it seemed to make a real impact.

The visit gave students valuable information as they navigate the challenges of social media, technology and middle school, and the importance of standing up for one another.

Thank you to Ms. Le and Ms. Roth for bringing this important program to our students, and to the Westchester County District Attorney's Office and the Human Rights Commission for sharing their time and expertise. We also thank Superintendent Dr. Lutinski and Director of Curriculum Dr. Josh Deitch for attending and supporting this meaningful conversation.