New York, NY, September 14, 2004…The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is the lead partner in New York City's new Peace and Diversity Academy, a small public high school scheduled to open in September. 

ADL's A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute curricular materials will be a key part of the Academy's overall academic curriculum. The Institute's teacher training, peer leadership training and other ADL anti-bias programs will be offered to all staff, students and families.  The Principal, Andrew M.L. Turay, developed the idea for a Peace and Diversity Academy in the Bronx, and approached ADL's New York regional office about being the lead partner to the school. 

Peace and Diversity Academy is a college preparatory school designed to help students develop the skills they need to become leaders who will strive for a just democratic society, in which all people will be treated fairly, equitably and with dignity.

"This is a thrilling project for ADL," said Joel J. Levy, ADL New York Regional Director.  "Our programs have already trained thousands of students and teachers.  To have a school devoted to improving our democratic society through anti-bias training is a huge benefit to the school system and the surrounding community."

The Peace and Diversity Academy opened in the Bronx (NY) on September 13, 2004, and is housed on the first floor of Herbert Lehman High School, 3000 E. Tremont Ave, Bronx, New York 10461. The first year will see an enrollment of 100 9th grade students, and an additional 100 students each year thereafter.

All theme-based activities at the Peace and Diversity Academy are funded by the New Century High Schools Initiative, which is a public/private partnership designed to support school and community partners in the creation of small, effective high schools in which New York City school children can meet high standards, including the New York State Regents Exams, and graduate. There currently over 60 New Century High Schools in New York City. For more information, please visit the Web site at http://www.newvisions.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.