Middle and high school students from 13 Capital Region schools gathered at Siena last Friday for the College’s 10th annual STOP Conference. The acronym STOP stands for Students Together Opposing Prejudice.
Facilitators from the Anti-Defamation League’s A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute guided students and teachers from schools of various geographic locations and privilege through anti-bias workshops to help them positively address the realities of bullying and prejudice in their schools.
“We hope that this conference inspires you and provides you with the tools you need to go out and make a difference,” said ADL Albany’s Beth Martinez.
The theme of this year’s conference was “Amplify Respect,” and through both large and small group sessions, it was brought to the forefront. Students participated in activities and discussions designed to help them become allies for people in need, recognize prejudice and injustice, embrace other people’s differences and educate their peers.
“I know that they’re going to be the leaders that are going to make my future bright,” said ADL Facilitator Barbara Stevens. She led small groups of students through exercises to help them understand the challenges facing people from other backgrounds. “They know that they want to step up. They need the skills, and that’s what ADL gives them,” Stevens said.
Ballston Spa High School student Mariah Norton participated in Stevens’ session.
“It was eye opening to see other types of groups and what they have to go through, especially the ones that you don’t fall under," Norton said. "You know more of what to expect and what they’re going through and not to judge.”
Amsterdam High School senior Jonathan Adorno said that the STOP Conference gave him skills that he’ll use well into the future to connect with people and, someday, patients.
“I want to be a doctor, so I’m going to have to deal with all different types of people,” Adorno said. “I feel like it’s going to better me in helping me understand their situation instead of just quickly judging.”
After the STOP Conference, Siena’s Sarazen Student Union transformed into a colorful gallery for the College’s 28th Annual Art and Essay Celebration. It featured original art and writing from hundreds of Capital Region students surrounding the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The STOP Conference is sponsored by Siena College’s Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King Lecture Series on Race and Nonviolent Social Change.
