No Place For Hate Program Expanding In Pittsburgh-Area Schools

PITTSBURGH, PA - The Anti-Defamation League and American Eagle Outfitters are teaming to expand the ADL's No Place for Hate program operating in 24 Allegheny County Schools. American Eagle's $100,000 grant, its second for the program in the past two year, will enable the initiative to more than double its regional impact since the Tree of Life synagogue shooting in October 2018.

The grant was announced Tuesday at American Eagle's South Side headquarters. The money will enable the program to reach as many as 30 schools in the 2020-21 school year.

“Since the Tree of Life tragedy, we have continued to grow our anti-bias education programming in the Pittsburgh area thanks to the generous support of American Eagle Outfitters,” James Pasch, ADL Regional Director, said in a release.

“We know that no one is born a bigot: hate is learned and can be unlearned. That’s why it is so important to reach students in schools so that they are equipped to respond when they encounter
hatred and bullying in their daily lives. We remain committed to continuing to make this program available to as many schools as possible in the Pittsburgh region and beyond.”

The American Eagle grant will allow the expansion of a certification program in which schools receive their designation by:

• Building inclusive and safe communities in which respect and equity are the goals and where all students can thrive.
• Empowering students, faculty, administration and family members to take a stand against bias and bullying by incorporating new and existing programs under one powerful message.
• Sending a clear, unified message that all students have a place where they belong.