New York, NY, June 8, 2004 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has been awarded a $25,000 grant from Staples Foundation for Learning™ to support the classroom-based anti-bias programs of ADL's A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute.  The grant will enable ADL to further implement programming for teachers and young people aimed at eradicating hate, bigotry and intolerance from classrooms and communities.

"We are thrilled that Staples Foundation for Learning recognizes the importance of giving young people the skills they need to say 'no' to hatred and bigotry," said Barbara B. Balser, ADL National Chair.  "We have always said that no child is born a hater; that hatred is learned, and can be 'unlearned.'  The grant ensures that we can continue to reach children and adults with this message, so that they can empower themselves, and others, to reject hate."

"Staples Foundation for Learning is proud to support ADL in their quest to create a community of tolerance and acceptance through education," said Joy Errico, spokesperson for Staples Foundation for Learning. "Now, more than ever, it is important to instill in America's youth the communication and leadership skills necessary to combat racism and bigotry."

The grant will support ADL's A CLASSROOM OF DIFFERENCE™ anti-bias programs, including:

·         Peer Training, which offers high school students a yearlong extensive training and leadership program that prepares them to lead anti-bias workshops for their peers by learning skills such as conflict resolution facilitation and critical thinking.

·         Becoming An Ally: Interrupting Name Calling and Bullying, which provides opportunities for teachers to assess their strengths and weaknesses and their school's effectiveness in addressing name-calling and bullying.

·         Teacher Training programs that develop communication skills, model effective anti-bias teaching methods, and increase the overall cultural competency of adults working with youth.

In 1985, ADL initiated the A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute to combat prejudice, promote democratic ideals and promote pluralism through anti-bias and diversity education programs in schools, universities, corporations, community-based organizations and law enforcement agencies.  To date, more than 400,000 elementary and secondary school teachers have participated in A CLASSROOM OF DIFFERENCE™ programs.

Launched in August of 2002, Staples Foundation for Learning, Inc. is a private foundation created by Staples Inc. to provide funding to charitable programs that support or provide job training or educational opportunities to all people, with a special emphasis on disadvantaged youth. To date, Staples Foundation for Learning has awarded nearly $3 million dollars in grants to non-profit organizations and is a national sponsor of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. For more information about the foundation or how to apply for a grant, please visit www.staplesfoundation.org.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.