#USvsHate (“us versus hate”) is about embracing inclusion and justice for all in our diverse schools and society. Our messages insist publicly that all people are equally valuable.
In #USvsHate, students are invited to create public anti-hate messages in any media for their school communities. Our national challenge then amplifies student voices for a nationwide audience. You can submit 5 entries max per class, to each challenge! In 2020-21, our #USvsHate challenge deadlines are December 11 and March 12.
Anti-hate messages:
- explicitly address, explore, and refuse racism, xenophobia, homophobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, sexism, or other forms of hate, bias and injustice in schools and society;
- communicate that people across lines of difference contribute to our communities, regions, and nation, are equally valuable, and deserve access to opportunity and well-being;
- bust a myth (challenge a stereotype) about a “type of” kid too often misrepresented;
- ask people to treat each other kindly, fairly and respectfully, so schools stay safe for learning and society includes us all.
The goals of #USvsHate are to:
- shape school/classroom climate to emphasize safety and inclusion for all, countering incidents of explicit hate in schools nationwide;
- help students more fully know, value, and respect themselves and the people they share their school, community, and nation with;
- build and amplify youth voice;
- encourage students to take action against hate, bias and injustice in society and schools;
- equip teachers with dialogue tools, and curricular resources from national educator support organizations;
- catalyze ongoing intergenerational learning in school communities;
- facilitate networking between educators.
(What do we mean by “hate”?)
We define “hate” as any time people denigrate, disrespect or harm an individual or group as if their identity makes them an inferior or less valuable type of person. See Definitions and Concepts for more!
We think “hate” includes:
- Creating or spreading hateful speech or symbols that demean and hurt people.
- Repeating false ideas that some “types of people” are inferior or superior.
- Denying some groups opportunity or well-being as if they are less valuable.
- Taking cruel actions that fuel more hate. (E.g., bullying, harassment)
- Accepting or allowing such harm to others.
#USvsHate is about standing up when people get hurt, whether that hurt is subtle or not. Check out our #USvsHate Anti-Hate Principles, aligned with Teaching Tolerance’s Social Justice Standards!
#USvsHate “Anti-Hate” Principles
- We reject false ideas about “inferior” and “superior” people. Every person and each community is equally valuable and deserving of respect. We can be proud of whoever we are without putting anyone else down. (Identity)
- We refuse misinformation about other people’s lives. Instead, we build relationships and aim to more accurately describe people’s life experiences as individuals and as members of communities. We value everyone’s contribution to our society. We clarify that diversity makes us strong. (Diversity)
- We call for inclusion and opportunity for all “types of people” across our society. We reject any situation or action that treats some “types of people” as inherently more valuable than others. (Justice)
- We stand up against harmful treatment or opportunity denial. Through our anti-hate messages, we insist that all people should be respected, fairly treated, and supported. We ask others to act, as one 3rd grader put it, like “everyone belongs.” (Action)
This work is incredibly important today. And youth voices can lead the way.
Every school community can help spread the message that all community members are part of “US”!
Join us!
