Mr. Jason Reed ’95, the Le’Charles V. Bentley Director of Diversity and Inclusion, announced on Monday, December 4, that Saint Ignatius is once again conducting its annual No Place for Hate initiative. This program, Reed says, “provides our school community with a framework for combating bias, bigotry, racism and hatred, leading to long-term solutions for creating and maintaining a positive and safe climate where acceptance and respect is our primary goal for all students, faculty and staff.”
Tuesday through Thursday, all members of the Saint Ignatius community are invited to sign a pledge committing themselves to creating a community that is No Place for Hate. This Resolution of Respect is available for signing in the Senior Lounge.
The pledge reads:
I pledge from this day forward to do my best to combat prejudice and to stop those who, because of hate or ignorance, would hurt anyone or violate their civil rights. I will try at all times to be aware of my own biases and seek to gain understanding of those who I perceive as being different from myself. I will speak out against all forms of prejudice and discrimination. I will reach out to support those who are targets of hate. I will think about specific ways my community members can promote respect for people and create a prejudice-free zone. I firmly believe that one person can make a difference and that no person can be an "innocent" bystander when it comes to opposing hate. I recognize that respecting individual dignity, achieving equality and promoting intergroup harmony are the responsibilities of all people.
“St. Ignatius Loyola calls us to be Open to Growth, Intellectually competent, Loving, Religious, and Committed for the work of peace and justice, which leads us to the conviction that we are responsible for each others' welfare in order to fulfill the Mission of the school,” Reed says.
This is the third year that Saint Ignatius High School is working to achieve No Place for Hate designation. No Place for Hate is a school climate improvement framework for preK-12 schools looking to build inclusive and safe communities where all students can thrive. It is coordinated by the Anti-Defamation League.
To learn more visit:
http://cleveland.adl.org/no-place-for-hate/