League to Meet with School Officials to Discuss 'Teachable Moments'

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St. Louis, MO, October 23, 2008 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), concerned over reported incidents targeting Jewish students at Parkway West Middle School, will be meeting with school officials on Friday, October 24 to discuss a broad, structured program of anti-bias education and response.  A number of Jewish students at the school were hit by fellow classmates last week during what the students called "Hit a Jew Day."

"It is shocking and distressing to see anti-Semitism acted out by middle school students," said Karen Aroesty, ADL St. Louis Regional Director.  "Our schools and schoolyards are places where respect and understanding should be the norm.  We appreciate that administrators are responding swiftly and look forward to working with Parkway West Middle School to turn these incidents into teachable moments that will resonate both in the classroom and at home."

ADL contacted the school after learning from the family of one of the victims about the different incidents that had occurred.  Representatives from the League's A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute will participate in the meeting with school officials.

ADL's A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE ® Institute has provided anti-bias education and diversity training programs that explore the value of diversity, improve intergroup relations and combat racism, anti-Semitism and all forms of prejudice and bigotry.  The Institute has been active in the Missouri/Southern Illinois region for more than 20 years.

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.