The students and staff of the Meadowbrook Alternative Program welcomed Helen Turner, Educational Director of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center.  

“Ms. Turner’s presentation, “Deconstructing Symbols of Hate,” was a dynamic and extremely informative discussion on the history and context of symbols associated with hate,” explained School Psychologist Dr. Joseph Netto. “Students were briefed on the historical context in which the symbols were utilized and how unfortunately, there continues to be instances where such hate crimes still occur.” 

Ms. Turner further provided examples on how students have the power to become upstanders.  Following the presentation, the students and staff took part in an activity called “Dissolving Stereotypes” where each student wrote down a negative comment, symbol, and/or disparaging statement on dissolving paper.  

Each student then placed their piece of paper into a pool filled with water.  

“The paper and the written words eventually would dissolve, demonstrating how education and activism can dissolve the hatred and stereotypes,” Dr. Netto further explained.  

This was MAP’s first “No Place for Hate” activity for the 2019-20 school year.