Heritage Hall News

Heritage Hall First in Oklahoma to be Designated ADL No Place for Hate® School

Last fall, Heritage Hall students in grades PS-12 were offered the opportunity to sign the Anti-Defamation League’s “Resolution of Respect” as part of the School’s initiative to become a No Place for Hate® (NPFH) campus. The ADL initiative provides a framework for creating and maintaining a positive and inclusive learning environment for all, as well as a culture of respect within all three divisions.

Whittney Darko, the School’s Associate Director of Diversity and Inclusion, noted that Heritage Hall is the first school in the state of Oklahoma to complete the program as it joins more than 1,600 schools nationwide as a NPFH school. “It says a great deal about the importance the School places on diversity education, inclusion, and awareness,” Darko stated. 

Darko believes that Heritage Hall’s designation also highlights the School’s commitment to being a place where all who enter the campus feel as though they belong. “The amazing thing about this program is that we are getting to expand upon what each School division is already doing to promote diversity and inclusion, while getting ideas for enriching our curriculum and activities further,” Darko said.

To receive the NPFH designation, schools must first take the NPFH pledge which includes supporting a non-bullying environment and being an ally to peers. The schools then create a NPFH committee – comprised of students, teachers and parents – that organizes and hosts three schoolwide activities throughout the year. At the end of the year, schools who have completed these steps receive a NPFH banner in recognition of their designation.

Heritage Hall events this year included the Lower School Día de los Muertos Celebration and Charger Shine assembly Charger Spotlight segments, featuring students from the University of Central Oklahoma International House who share stories and information about their native countries. Other events included the Middle School Mix It Up Day, the Upper School Stanley Hupfeld at Western Village holiday party, and the all-school Black History Month Assembly. 

Reflecting on how diversity education aligns with the School’s emerging positive education initiative, Assistant Head of School Nick Carter observed, “Positive education promotes a flourishing community in which each person is valued and all cultures unite to become ‘us.’ We are proud to partner with ADL in our ongoing efforts to provide every student at Heritage Hall a welcoming and secure environment in which to thrive.”
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