How ADL Makes a Difference

Fighting a Hate Group

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Tiyi Schippers, a Cadillac schoolteacher and community activist, was upset. The city had just awarded a certificate of leadership to the National Socialist Movement (NSM), an avowed neo-Nazi group, for participating in a community cleanup.

Sensing an attempt by the NSM to strike a false pose of respectability, ADL's Michigan office immediately expressed outrage to the mayor and City Council.

The city refused to withdraw the award, so Ms. Schippers and other concerned community members met with ADL to learn about the NSM and how they might respond to it. A task force-with Ms. Schippers as its leader-was formed to address issues of tolerance and diversity.

As time went on, CADILLAC UNITED gained influential members and became a strong proponent for values contrary to the NSM's. Task force projects included a Unity Fest, timed to counter the NSM's “White Pride” picnic in a Cadillac park, and ADL training for the staff in the Cadillac public schools.

“I thank ADL for their vigilance, support and courage,” says Tiyi Schippers. “I am ever grateful for the superb investigative efforts that burst the complacent bubble here, and started us on our journey, however difficult, to a more inclusive and open society.”

With your support, ADL Regional Offices can continue partnering with communities around the country to oppose dangerous extremists.