Chicago, IL, December 18, 2007 ... The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) announced today that it's A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Peer Training Program helped transform John F. Kennedy High School into a safer and more inclusive learning environment through the empowerment of students.  In March 2006, Kennedy High School experienced a 56% increase of violent incidents.  In response, 150 students demonstrated, demanding extra security to stem the rising violence.

The Chicago Public School System recommended that Kennedy High School participate in the Illinois Violence Prevention Authority's sponsored program led by ADL's A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute.  The Institute's Peer Training Program has reached more than 38,000 young people since 1991. From December 4th-6th, 2007, 15-20 students were trained using a unique combination of instructional and peer influence strategies to combat name-calling, bullying, and harassment as a mechanism to create safer and more inclusive school climates. 

 "The implementation of the A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute at John F. Kennedy High School has been extremely successful," said Reginald P. Grigsby, social studies teacher at Kennedy High School.  "We have seen the number of violent incidents drop considerably at the school and the student body is making a considerable effort to embrace the multiculturalism of our entire student population.  Our school is truly an example of how beneficial the A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute can be to a school community.  Thank you again for allowing our school the opportunity to participate in such a rewarding program."

 "We applaud the administration of Kennedy High School for confronting some of their problems and seeking out helpful solutions," said Lonnie Nasatir, Regional Director of ADL's Greater Chicago office. "We are so pleased to bring our A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Programs to Kennedy High School and are so encouraged by the progress we have seen."

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.