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DUXBURY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Adopted from LEARNING FOR JUSTICE, A project of the Southern Poverty Law Center ©1991-2021 ~ https://www.learningforjustice.org/magazine/publications/speak-up-at-school/in-the-moment/basic-strategies

SPEAK UP

AT SCHOOL

RESPOND TO EVERYDAY STEREOTYPES & BIAS

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I AM A PERSON

WHO WILL

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SPEAK UP

AGAINST BIAS

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INTERRUPT

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INTERRUPT

“Speak up against every biased remark - every time, in the moment, without exception. Think about what you’ll say ahead of time so you’re prepared to act instantly.”

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LEARNING FOR JUSTICE, A project of the Southern Poverty Law Center ©1991-2021

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  • I am not okay with that
  • I find that language hurtful
  • That is not funny
  • Let's not go there
  • We don’t use that kind of language here
  • That is not ok with me.
  • Using that language does not make others feel safe or accepted here

Try saying:

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QUESTION

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QUESTION

LEARNING FOR JUSTICE, A project of the Southern Poverty Law Center ©1991-2021

“Ask simple questions in response to hateful remarks to find out why the speaker made the offensive comment and how you can best address the situation”

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  • Can you explain that to me?
  • Can you explain your thinking to me?
  • What do you mean when you say that?
  • Can you help me understand?
  • Do you understand who you could be hurting?
  • Why do you think that would be okay to say?
  • Why do you think that is funny?
  • What is funny about that?
  • How would you feel if someone said that about you?
  • How would you feel?
  • Where did you get that information?
  • What is your point?

Try saying:

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EDUCATE

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EDUCATE

LEARNING FOR JUSTICE, A project of the Southern Poverty Law Center ©1991-2021

“Explain why a term or phrase is offensive. Encourage the person to choose a different expression. Hate isn’t behind all hateful speech. Sometimes ignorance is at work, or lack of exposure to a diverse population.”

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  • From what I understand...
  • Did you mean to be hurtful when you said that, because…
  • That is hurtful because...
  • Do you know what that actually means? I can help explain...
  • The history of your comment is...
  • I disagree with that because...

Try saying:

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ECHO

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ECHO

LEARNING FOR JUSTICE, A project of the Southern Poverty Law Center ©1991-2021

“If someone else speaks up against hate, thank them and reiterate their anti-bias message. One person’s voice is a powerful start. Many voices together create change.”

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  • You are right
  • Thank you
  • I agree, we shouldn't say that
  • Thank you for being an upstander, I agree
  • Thank you for saying that, that bothered me too
  • I agree, that was hurtful

Try saying:

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