Anti-Defamation League holds day-long workshop
December 5, 2014
With bullying becoming a serious issue during the past decade, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) visited Daniel Pearl Magnet High School in hopes of spreading awareness of bullying and the effects of it.
“This workshop discusses and teaches us all the kinds of equality amongst others and how we can become more comfortable with people around us, not just our friends,” sophomore Jonas Acebes said.
On Dec. 5 from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. in the afternoon, 32 students were handpicked by the faculty to attend the ADL’s workshop. The group discussed bullying, cyberbullying, gossiping/rumors, and stereotypes among genders and races which meant to enlighten the student about the evident insight of bullying.
“I hope these students get a realization of how much influence they have in making a difference in the school community and environment,” said Pam Cysher, a facilitator working with the ADL.
The various sessions gave the students an understanding of what others go through. An exercise called “Voice of Bullying” required everyone to sit in a circle and read quotes from those who have been bullied. One student read “They say, Oh you’re a killer because you come from the Middle East.” They then got in groups and discussed what’s been read and their feelings toward it.
Some of the other sessions included creating a skit about bullying and presenting what an appropriate response would be. Some wept at the topics that were discuessed.
“I want these students to take a pause before they do or say something that’s hurtful and think about the words they use before they say them,” said Darryl Ordell, another facilitator working with the ADL. The topic about stereotypes got the students really contributing and sharing their past stories and experiences. Many spoke up about how people make obnoxious remarks regarding their race and religion.
“It made me unhappy and I felt like I needed to do something about bullying and help put a stop to it,” junior Adrianna Rojas said. “This helped me learn ways to assist others when they need someone.”
