Anti-Bias Tools &amp; Strategies

A Guide for Responding to School-Based Bias Incidents

Educators and school administrators, use this toolkit to help strengthen your responses to school-based incidents of bias and bigotry.

Extremism, Terrorism & Bigotry

Bigotry

Teenage girl talks in group therapy session

11 Ways Schools Can Help Students Feel Safe in Challenging Times (en Español)

In recent years, we have seen alarming images and biased language in schools and universities. Use these prevention, intervention and education strategies to promote inclusive school environments where young people can learn, thrive and become their best selves.

Safe and Inclusive Schools for All

Tips to foster a safe, respectful and inclusive learning environment.

Teenage School Kids Smiling in School Corridor

Classroom Tips and Strategies

10 Ways Youth Can Engage in Activism

Our country has a long history of youth-led movements that brought about significant social change. Young people have advocated for child labor laws, voting rights, civil rights and more. Here are ideas for bringing social activism into the classroom and outside of the school walls.

Op-ed

Anti-Bias Education: The Power of Social-Emotional Learning

How is social and emotional learning (SEL) connected with anti-bias education? As we introduce young people to sometimes delicate concepts like identity, diversity, stereotyping and bias, they will need SEL skills as the foundation for having those conversations in a productive way.

Can We Talk? Tips for Respectful Conversations in Schools, Workplaces and Communities

The ability to engage in respectful and civil conversations is the bedrock of any relationship—whether those connections take place at home, school, work or in communities.

Creating an Anti-Bias Learning Environment

Tips for the classroom educator to create an anti-bias learning environment.

Establishing a Safe Learning Environment

Here are some tips for establishing an environment in which young people can discuss sensitive issues safely and productively when challenged to explore and articulate their personal feelings about sensitive topics in the classroom.

Guidelines for Achieving Bias-Free Communication

Be aware of words, images and situations that suggest that all or most members of a group are the same.Stereotypes often lead to assumptions that are unsupportable and…

Helping Students Make Sense of News Stories about Bias and Injustice

When there are national news stories that involve incidents of bias and injustice, young people want to be part of the conversation.

Girl Writes Justice for Mike Brown in Chalk Ferguson Missouri

How Should I Talk about Race in My Mostly White Classroom?

Strategies for discussing race and racism in classrooms of predominately white students.

Let’s Get It Right: Using Correct Pronouns and Names

Educator resource about using accurate pronouns and names to convey understanding and respect for all people, especially for those who are transgender, gender non-conforming and non-binary.

LGBTQ Rights

Board with various stickies of pronouns written on each

Moving from Safe Classrooms to Brave Classrooms

Classroom guidelines established around a framework of safety don't always help those who feel marginalized brave enough to express strong feelings and ideas. Learn how to create brave spaces instead of just safe ones.

Immigrant & Refugee Rights

Multi-Ethnic Students Having a Discussion in a Classroom

fact sheets

Myths and Facts About Immigrants and Immigration (En Español)

Nine common claims about immigrants, and the truth.

Myths and Facts about Muslim People and Islam

This resource dispels stereotypes and myths about Muslim people and Islam, suggest ways that educators can address these important topics in the classroom and provide relevant key words and definitions.

Race Talk: Engaging Young People in Conversations about Race and Racism

As a society, public conversations about race and racism have increased in volume and intensity. Here are some suggestions and strategies for having classroom conversations with young people about these issues.

High School Students Taking Part in Group Discussion Circle

Blog

Students’ Right to Protest the Pledge and National Anthem: Advice for Supporting Young People

Students and their families may need advice about how to approach their First Amendment rights, especially when their school tries to force students to participate or imposes consequences for not doing so. This blog provides information and advice for students and their families.

Free Speech

Your Right to Participate or Peacefully Protest Written on Chalkboard

What Do Safe, Respectful and Inclusive Virtual Classrooms Look Like?

As teachers head back to school—whether that is in person, online or a hybrid model—fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive classroom is as important as ever.

Talking to Young Children about Bias and Prejudice

The process of countering negative attitudes with positives begins at an early age. Louise Derman-Sparks, an educator and specialist on child development, points to three major issues that are important to keep in mind when talking to children about prejudice and discrimination.

What We're Reading this Week

ADL recommendations articles and blogs highlighting stories about anti-bias, social justice and general education …

Why Simulation Activities Should Not Be Used

Provides background about simulation and role play activities, why those activities should not be used in the classroom and what strategies can be used instead.

Definitions and Language

Challenging Biased Language

On a daily basis—in the lunchroom, at the grocery store, in school hallways and even at home—people hear and sometimes use words and phrases that demean or ridicule. Here are some strategies for responding.

Definitions Related to Bias, Injustice and Bullying

Definitions relating to bias, diversity, bullying and social justice concepts for educators, parents and family members of elementary age children.

Definitions Related to Name-Calling, Bullying and Bias

Definitions relating to bias and bullying associated with ADL's educational anti-bias programs and resources for educators, parents and family members.

Definitions Related to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Terms and definitions related to sexual orientation and gender identity associated with ADL’s educational anti-bias programs and resources for educators, parents and family members.

Disability Glossary

Disability related terms and definitions used in association with ADL's anti-bias programs and resources.

Education Glossary Terms

Terms and definitions associated with ADL’s educational anti-bias programs and resources for educators, parents and family members.

Guidelines for Achieving Bias-Free Communication

Be aware of words, images and situations that suggest that all or most members of a group are the same.Stereotypes often lead to assumptions that are unsupportable and…

Toward Communication Free of Gender Bias

Since gendered and sexist language was first addressed by early feminists, growing attention has been paid in the media, in schools and academia and in theology…

Women’s Equity

Young Woman Uses Humor When Sharing with Support Group

Discussion and Activity Guides

Beyond the Binary: Discussing Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Identity in K-12 Schools

In order to provide a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students, it is important to discuss transgender and gender non-conforming identity and issues in schools. This guide provides suggestions and resources.

LGBTQ Rights

Empowering Young People in the Aftermath of Hate (In English and en Español)

Tools, tips and strategies for what educators and family members can do to help young people discuss and deal with the aftermath of hate-inspired events.

Extremism, Terrorism & Bigotry

Hate Crimes

From Broken Glass Study Guide

High school teachers using Steve Ross's From Broken Glass in the classroom, use this study guide to provide students context to achieve an understanding of the author's experiences during the Holocaust while connecting what they are learning to their own lives.

Antisemitism Globally

Antisemitism in the US

Thinking about Social Justice through Crafts and Conversation

Hands-on activities to do with children during the summer months and throughout the year that focus on identity, diversity, inclusion bias and social justice.

Cheerful family doing an art project together

Film Discussion and Activity Guides

Article

Anti-Semitism and The Merchant of Venice

Introduction and Overview of the Guide …

Antisemitism Globally

Love Has No Labels

The Ad Council’s Love Has No Labels is a public service advertising campaign that encourages people to examine and challenge their own implicit bias. View ADL's discussion guides developed for two of the videos.

backgrounders

The People v. Leo Frank

The People v. Leo Frank, a 2009 film by Ben Loeterman Productions, vividly brings to life one of the most fascinating criminal cases in American history: the 1913 murder of a…

Historical Information

backgrounders

Brown v. Board of Education

Sixty years after Brown v. Board of Education the promise of equal access to quality education remains unfulfilled. School expulsions and suspensions are among the best predictors…

Education Equity

backgrounders

Civil Rights Movement

The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950’s and 1960’s came about out of the need and desire for equality and freedom for African Americans and other people of color. Nearly one…

Education Equity

backgrounders

From "Little Rock Nine" to Today

1957 in Little Rock, Arkansas, 9 African-American students faced a mob. Learn how the “Little Rock Nine” fought to gain access to equal education.

Holidays, Events and Special Months

Lesson Plan

7 Ideas for Teaching Women's History Month

Elementary School,

Middle School,

High School

7 Ideas for teaching Women's History Month that broaden students thinking about the experience of women and gender in all of its complexity.

Lesson Plan

8 Ideas for Teaching National Hispanic Heritage Month

Elementary School,

Middle School,

High School

Eight ideas for honoring National Hispanic Heritage Month in your classroom. This list of K-12 activities helps students understand the Latino experience in its complexity, incorporating literature, history, art, civil rights, film, music and more.

Lesson Plan

10 Ideas for Teaching Black History Month

Elementary School,

Middle School,

High School

Ten ideas for teaching about Black History Month in K-12 classrooms.

Bayard Rustin Speaking with Kids before Demonstration

Calendar of Observances

Use this calendar of observances to increase your awareness and sensitivity about religious holidays, observances as well as ethnic and cultural festivities that may affect students, colleagues and neighbors in your community.

Interfaith & Intergroup Relations

Considerations for Inclusive Holidays and Observances

Holiday celebrations are an excellent opportunity to provide a window into a culture or understand more about a group of people, as well as reinforce the diversity of all people…

Religious Freedom

Dos and Don’ts with Special Diversity Events

“Dos and Don’ts” to help schools host special diversity events that are thoughtful and create environments that are inclusive and safe for all multicultural students.

Halloween: When the Goblins, Ghosts and Stereotypes Come Out

Help create a school community where Halloween can be creative, fun and respectful. Here are guidelines and tips for teachers to address potential issues such as stereotypes, cultural appropriation and gendered costumes.

Little Kids at a Halloween Party Running Outside

Teaching about Elections

Elections often bring about differences of opinion and strong feelings. Use this collection of resources in schools and at home to teach young people about civics, how government works, the electoral process and more.