Miami Beach Schools 'No Place for Hate'

MIAMI BEACH, FL — With an apparent uptick in hate crimes and numerous bomb threats around the country targeting Jewish Community Centers, including some in the greater Miami area, the city of Miami Beach has announced that it will implement a "No Place for Hate" program in city schools.

“The goal is to bring together Miami Beach residents to support students, teachers, educators and parents, in creating a safe, peaceful and respectful community for all,” according to Miami Beach city manager Jimmy L. Morales.

In January, Miami Beach Commissioners unanimously gave the go ahead to city officials to begin rolling out a "Safe Place" program for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people who experience discrimination, harassment, or worse. Under that program, residents and visitors can seek immediate assistance at any business or organization displaying a rainbow-colored "Safe Place" decal.

The "No Place for Hate" program will be implemented during the 2017-18 school year at all six Miami Beach schools under a partnership with the Anti-Defamation League and Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

"This program, which counters racism, name-calling and bigotry in schools, is in alignment with the initiative for the Florida region and includes school-wide and age-appropriate activities, along with training students and educators to combat hate language," according to Miami Beach officials.

The ADL, through the Harriet and Jack Rosenfeld Foundation, will provide a 50 percent subsidy for the anti-bullying/cyber-bullying training required to obtain the designation for the 2017-18 school year at Miami Beach Senior High, Nautilus Middle, South Pointe Elementary, North Beach Elementary, Biscayne Elementary, and Fienberg Fisher K-8 Center.

The city of Miami Beach has agreed to implement a community-wide event that raises awareness on bullying prevention, diversity and respect at city-owned facilities.

Miami Beach Senior High School photo courtesy of Miami-Dade County Public Schools