Rumson-Fair Haven Students Amongst Winners Of NJ Anti-Bias Youth Competition

RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN, NJ — Students from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School were among the winners of New Jersey’s “No Hate in the Garden State Youth Competition,” Attorney General Matthew Platkin and the Division on Civil Rights (DCR) announced on Thursday.

Open to middle and high school students, the competition was led by the DCR and coordinated in partnership with the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) as part of the statewide “No Hate in the Garden State” public awareness campaign to eliminate bias and discrimination in New Jersey.

The competition invited students to collaborate to create projects or events designed to educate New Jerseyans on how to combat bias in their communities.

A total of 233 students from across the state participated and submitted their projects, which found “creative, meaningful ways” to stand up against hate and bias and stand up for diversity and inclusivity.

“In recent years, our schools have been the number one site of bias incidents in our state,” Platkin said. “Combating youth bias is a top priority for our office, and we have made sure that we engage the next generation of leaders in being part of the change in our communities.”

“I am in awe of the hundreds of students who participated in the 'No Hate in the Garden State Youth Competition,'” Platkin continued. “Their passion is inspiring, and I couldn’t be prouder of the work they are doing to fight for a future free from hate and bias.”

As part of the competition, students created multi-media projects highlighting diversity in their communities, facilitated interfaith dialogues, and amplified underrepresented voices.

At Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School, students from the Gender/Sexuality Alliance (GSA) Club did an oral history project, which helped address the lack of resources for LGBTQ+ high school students and the lack of awareness regarding the struggles these students face in the broader community.

Future videos will focus on providing resources for students and parents to navigate coming out, as well as gaining confidence in one’s sexuality and gender identity.

The competition teams were divided into two categories: middle and high school. Winners of the competition in each category are as follows:

High School Winners

• 1st Place: Amnesty International Somerset Chapter
• 2nd Place: Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School GSA Club
• 3rd Place: The Afterschool Podcast in Union County

Middle School Winners

• 1st Place: Colonia Middle School Multicultural Education Student Committee
• 2nd Place: Avenel Middle School Allyship Club
• 3rd Place: Long Pond School in Sussex County

“Far too often, our young people witness or experience discrimination in their lives,” said Yolanda N. Melville, Director of the Division on Civil Rights. “If we want to build a better future, it’s imperative that we listen to their voices to effectuate sustainable change.”

“The efforts put forth by students for the 'No Hate in the Garden State Youth Competition' showcased the dedication, passion, and insight our young people can bring to fight against bias in New Jersey,” Melville continued.

To learn more about the competition and winning projects, you can click here.