Plymouth Whitemarsh High School students engage in anti-bias, anti-bullying training

Plymouth Whitemarsh High School students who want to promote a culture of belonging engaged in three days of training recently to become part of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Peer Training program.

The peer trainers will go on to facilitate discussions and activities with ninth-graders throughout the fall months. Some of the activities and discussions will involve watching a video meant to prompt discussion about stereotypes, illustrating the “identity iceberg,” and establishing ground rules for challenging conversations. The identity iceberg prompts students to make distinctions between personal characteristics that are easily identifiable (above the surface) and those that are not (below the surface) in an effort to help them avoid making assumptions about others.  

“The focus of our sessions this year is on investigating our diverse identities and celebrating our differences. The PW peer trainers are truly serving to create an environment that is welcoming to all,” said Lee Gould, an ADL Lead Sponsor. 

The peer training sessions occur yearly as part of the high school’s commitment to upholding its designation as a No Place for Hate school. All schools in Colonial School District achieved this designation for the 2023-24 school year. To maintain the title, schools must organize three school-wide, discussion-based activities each year that are designed to encourage everyone to reflect on biased behavior and learn new ways to challenge bias and bullying.