COURTESY PHOTO
Lynn English students attended the Anti-Defamation League A World of Difference Institute.
LYNN — More than 35 English High School students attended Thursday’s Anti-Defamation League A World of Difference Institute in Boston along with school peer mediator Ginny Keenan.
This one-day conference brought together more than 1,400 middle school and high school students, teachers and community leaders from over 65 schools across New England, including Lynn, Marblehead, Swampscott and Melrose with middle school as well as high school students attending.
The event’s keynote speaker was Gold Star parent Khizr Khan.
World of Difference gives students and teachers the opportunity to explore what it is like for people of different national origins, ethnicities, races and religions to live in the United States. Participants will develop action steps to foster inclusive schools and communities in which everyone is welcomed, respected and valued.
“At this time of rising hate incidents, schools remain a top concern,” said ADL New England Regional Director Robert Trestan. “ADL New England has responded to an unprecedented number of calls this year from schools asking for assistance with a bias related incident.”
Trestan said this year’s theme, “There Is No Them, Only Us,” serves as a critical reminder that “we all have a role to play in creating a world where differences are celebrated.”
Youth Congress will provide students and their teachers with the opportunity to affect positive change, and learn what they can do to counteract bias and discrimination in their schools and communities.”