To The Beacon Editorial Board:

We applaud you for your recent article "America's biggest threats: intolerance and hatred". The Anti-Defamation League, the nation's premier civil rights/human relations agency fighting anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry, has worked for almost 100 years defending democratic ideals and protecting civil rights for all, including those in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

We, too, are concerned with the increase in bias-motivated youth violence, and we believe that anti-bullying, anti-bias and diversity programs will help provide students with an education in which social, ethical, and academic development are inseparable goals.

Our No Place for Hate program creates safe, inclusive environments in schools by addressing the damaging effects of bias, bullying and name-calling. No Place for Hate provides teachers and students the tools to build learning communities in which everyone is accepted, differences are appreciated and celebrated, and all members are encouraged to succeed. No Place for Hate enables individuals to challenge racism, anti-Semitism, homophobia and all forms of bigotry in their communities and schools. It seeks to provide a model for responding to and preventing acts of hatred and for developing projects that enhance understanding of diverse groups. No Place for Hate strives to create more harmonious communities and classrooms by reducing bias and increasing an appreciation of the richness that diversity can bring.

The Beacon staff recommends that schools "implement programs that deter bullying and promote a safe and accepting environment". You cite Denver area public schools' recent implementation of the No Place for Hate program. In fact, the No Place for Hate program has been used in schools across Pennsylvania and Delaware since 2001. With Governor Ed Rendell's official endorsement of the program in the fall of 2006, more than 130 schools have registered to become No Place for Hate, with additional schools enrolling on a regular basis. It has been introduced in Montour, Monroe, and Lehigh counties, as well as 23 other counties across Pennsylvania and two in Delaware.

We join with The Beacon Editorial Board in encouraging students, faculty and concerned community members to confront the challenges of bigotry and diversity head-on by engaging various groups, including law enforcement, religious institutions, parents, teachers, school administrators, and civic groups; exploring programs such as A CAMPUS OF DIFFERENCE(TM); and challenging them to encourage K-12 schools to join No Place for Hate.