ATLANTA (JUNE 22, 2017) – Today, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Southeast Region awarded its Stuart Lewengrub Torch of Liberty Award to Atlanta Public Schools and Dr. Meria Carstarphen at the annual Torch of Liberty Corporate Breakfast.
“This award recognizes the incredible work that Atlanta Public Schools has done over the past two years to implement ADL’s No Place for Hate® program throughout the entire school district,” commented Shelley Rose, ADL interim regional director. “52,000 students have been inspired to stand up to hate by this program.”
No Place for Hate is an initiative of the Anti-Defamation League offered free to schools. The initiative is designed to rally the entire school around the goal of creating a welcoming community committed to stopping all forms of bias and bullying. In 2012, as Austin Independent School District Superintendent, Dr. Meria Carstarphen was so impressed with ADL’s No Place for Hate® initiative, she announced plans to bring the program to the entire district. That passion and commitment continued when she became Superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools in July 2014. In 2015, Atlanta Public Schools, through the leadership of Dr. Carstarphen, introduced ADL’s flagship education initiative system-wide. APS continues to see progress as they work aggressively to address and prevent bullying and cyber bullying, as well as educate against all forms of hatred.
“The No Place for Hate initiative provides our district with a clear framework to fight bias, bullying and hatred, leading to long-term solutions for creating and maintaining a positive climate,” commented Dr. Carstarphen in accepting the award. “We are sending a clear message that hate, bullying and disrespect have no place in our schools. We want our schools to be places where students, staff and families feel safe, welcomed and respected.”
The Anti-Defamation League Southeast Region annually presents the Stuart Lewengrub Torch of Liberty Award to an individual, entity or company making outstanding contributions to the welfare of our community. The award, which was renamed in honor of Stuart Lewengrub who served as the ADL Southeast Regional Director from 1965 until his passing in 1995, symbolizes ADL’s profound commitment to translating our democratic heritage into a way of life for all Americans.
Atlanta Public Schools would like to thank the Anti-Defamation league for recognizing the districts efforts in creating a safe place for our students.
Credit: Anti-Defamation League Press Release
