By EMILY GRUNES 12/10/20
In the spring and in the summer, Black Lives Matter protests and discussions were everywhere. The deaths of George Floyd and several others brought attention to systemic racism and police brutality. In June CHHS students Khadia Abam-Depass, Paige Jones and Maliha Revelo organized a rally in Croton, which included high-profile speakers like US Congressman elect Mondaire Jones. Organizers and speakers related their own experiences and their indignation about the horrible injustices that had finally gained the nation’s attention. Although the social media posts and protests have slowed down in the past few months, students in Croton are still working hard for racial justice.
In the December 2nd CHAP, the “No Place for Hate’ program was launched to the students and staff of Croton-Harmon- Highschool. It is a program that fights bias and bullying by addressing prejudice and hate. Principal Laura Dubak was among the first to sign the petition, explaining that ‘I believe we have a responsibility to do better every day. Trust is the cornerstone of all of this and my hope is that this program will help us open up learning, dialogue, listening, and empathy to take action to trust each other and know that we are in a community that is committed to this.” She sees the program as a direct way to help make the CHHS community more inclusive.
Students at CHHS should not only master academic skills and pursue good grades, but also be encouraged to be compassionate, accepting and to always do what's right. With a student body made up of motivated and kind individuals, this program will only further these qualities among those who graduate CHHS.
Tessa Barbeau is a senior at CHHS who worked hard to bring ‘No Place for Hate’ to CHHS. She has long been involved in activism throughout the community. She is the founder of the Women's Connect Club, and started the anti racism planning committee his summer.In describing her role in the process, Tessa said that “With the exception of attending the meetings, brainstorming ideas, and introducing the program to the 9th and 11th graders, I have to say the biggest role in making the school no place for hate is my commitment to the pledge. I stand by the pledge wholeheartedly, and try to be the best I can be. I hope others are inspired by my actions and sign the pledge!” Tessa also explained that inorder for this pledge to work, each person must do their individual part in making others feel welcomed, respected, and appreciated at school.
Tessa is one of the hundreds of students and faculty who have already signed the petition in commitment to doing their part in creating a more inclusive school. Launching this program is only the beginning. Before getting recognition as a No Place For Hate school we will have 3 schoolwide activities organized by the students and teachers on the steering committee. As Ms Dubak said, “This is not a one-year thing though, we plan to continue on this journey and grow every year.”
If you have not yet signed the petition, it is not too late.: you can click the link below or visit the table in the main hallway during first and second lunch throughout this week in school. Any student interested in being more involved with the movement in our school can join the student and staff steering committee that will be meeting next on December 9th. To do so, email Ms. Dubak at Laura.Dubak@chufsd.org, or stop by her office.
This article was edited on 12/23/2020 to fix the name of congressman-elect Mondaire Jones. He was erroneously mentioned as Walter Mondaire.