No Place for Hate®

The Philadelphia regional office first implemented No Place for Hate® as a community-based initiative in 2001, and in 2005 the program was adapted to meet the needs of schools. No Place for Hate® enables schools and communities to challenge anti-Semitism, racism, hatred, and bigotry in all forms. By providing a model for responding to and preventing acts of hatred, No Place for Hate® is an innovative and powerful method for reducing bias and bullying, increasing appreciation for diversity and building communities of respect. 

No Place for Hate® was officially endorsed by the Governor of Pennsylvania in the Fall of 2006 and is active in 160 schools throughout the Commonwealth. Current Media Partners are WPVI-TV, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Clear Channel Radio, and Daily News.

How to Become a No Place for Hate® School:

1. Form a committee to oversee anti-bias activities in your school.

Suggested committee members include: school faculty and staff members, administrators, students, parents, community leaders and youth organization leaders. Committees are often called "Diversity Clubs" and serve as an umbrella organization to promote harmony and respect for differences. Reach out to student groups for ideas and involvement.

2. Sign the "Resolution of Respect" or "No Place for Hate® Promise."

Organize an official presentation of the Resolution of Respect (for middle
and high schools) or No Place for Hate® Promise (for elementary schools) to begin the program. This can be done as part of a larger celebration of diversity, during a school assembly or pep rally or through individual classroom projects. Display the resolution or promise in your school.

3. Choose and complete, within the year, three or more activities that celebrate diversity and promote respect.

Research has indicated that prejudice and discrimination can be reduced with anti-bias education and programs. Projects should expose young people to other cultures, celebrate diversity and promote respect for differences. Ideally, projects will help young people put current events into historical context, challenge them to think critically and evoke a sense of "community." Choose from sample programs in the No Place for Hate® Resource Guide for Schools or be creative and think of your own.

4. CONGRATULATIONS! You have completed all activities and can now officially be designated as a No Place for Hate® school.

After completing three school-wide projects, you will be contacted by the ADL to set up a No Place for Hate® designation ceremony. In a school-wide assembly or other school function your school will publicly be declared No Place for Hate® and will receive a banner to commemorate this milestone.

You also have the opportunity to complete another three activities the following year for recertification.

How To Become A No Place for Hate® Community:

1. Establish a No Place for Hate® Committee comprised of representatives from the municipality, law enforcement, local schools and businesses and faith-based and community organizations.

Each community's No Place for Hate® committee provides a useful foundation for developing infrastructures that are better equipped to handle community conflict and concerns. Too often these groups operate in isolation. No Place for Hate® provides a catalyst to share resources and start an ongoing dialogue about your community.

2. Adopt a proclamation, affirming a commitment to diversity and promoting respect for differences.

An elected municipal officer issues ADL's official No Place for Hate® proclamation. The proclamation asserts the community's dedication to promoting respect and combating bigotry in all forms and to creating an inclusive environment, where an individual feels safe and comfortable coming forward if victimized by hate or discrimination. The message is communicated through local and regional media.

3. Complete at least three or more community-wide anti-bias projects during the course of the year.

Research has indicated that prejudice and discrimination can be reduced with anti-bias education and programs. Projects should educate the community about other cultures and faiths, celebrate diversity, promote respect for differences, initiate discussion among residents and evoke a sense of "community." Choose from sample programs in the No Place for Hate® Resource Guide for Communities or think of your own.

4. Congratulations! You have completed the requirements to become designated as a No Place for Hate® community.

After completing three community-wide projects, you will be contacted by ADL to set up a No Place for Hate® designation ceremony. The municipality will receive a street sign to commemorate this milestone. Certification is a public event and local and regional media will be notified.

Since community building and eradicating bigotry are ongoing processes, communities must reapply each year for certification and are encouraged to repeat the process for multiple years.

Download our latest No Place for Hate® Quarterly Newsletter (pdf).

Download the Calendar of Observances for 2008 and 2009 (pdf).