APS Superintendent Honored By Anti-Defamation League

ATLANTA, GA -- The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Southeast Region honor the leader of Atlanta Public Schools on Thursday for the district's success in implementing an anti-bullying initiative. The ADL bestowed APS Superintendent Meria Carstarphen with the Stuart Lewengrub Torch of Liberty Award, which highlights the strides made by APS to put the "No Place For Hate" program in place at its schools.

“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.” (To get notified of more local news like this, click here to sign up for the atlanta Patch. Or find your Atlanta-area town here. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.)

ADL's No Place for Hate initiative promotes a safe place and welcoming atmosphere to combat bias and bullying at schools. When Carstarphen learned of the program years ago, she vowed to incorporate it into APS. In 2015, she led its implementation district-wide.

“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,” Carstarphen said in accepting the award, according to a news release. “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 award was given at the ADL's Torch of Liberty Corporate Breakfast.

Image courtesy of APS