Wayne Schools Gain 'No Place For Hate' Designation

WAYNE, NJ — Fourteen Wayne Towship Public Schools received the Anti-Defamation League's "No Place for Hate" designation, with eight receiving "Gold Star" status, the district announced.

"We are thrilled to announce that 14 Wayne Township Public Schools have been officially designated as 2020 - 2021 No Place For Hate® Schools by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). The Wayne Township Public Schools received the designation from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) for its commitment to creating a safe, supportive, tolerant, and inclusive learning environment for all students. The district would like to thank our students, educators, and administrators for supporting this initiative and our dedicated Anti Bullying Specialists for leading this program which affirms our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion," the district said, in a statement.

The following schools earned "Gold Star" status:

• Albert P. Terhune
• James Fallon
• John F. Kennedy
• Lafayette
• Packanack
• Ryerson
• Wayne Hills
• Wayne Valley

Other schools to earn the distinction include:

• George Washington
• Schulyer-Colfax
• Pines Lake
• Randall Carter
• Theunis Dey
• Preakness Early Childhood Center

"Even before the pandemic, the virtual world was a hotbed for negative behaviors and bullying due to feelings of anonymity," said Superintendent Mark Toback.

"The pandemic led to great concern due to the significant increase in time students were spending in the virtual world. During this time, our school system continued to address issues of climate and culture and part of that effort was aided b our partnership with the Anti-Defamation League. The No Place for Hate Program continues to help us reach our goal of helping all members of our school community to feel safe, supported, and respected."