New York, NY, October 16, 2006 … The Anti-Defamation League's (ADL) anti-bias program for high school students has received a ringing endorsement from Yale University.

A national evaluation of ADL's A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute Peer Training Program was conducted by Yale University and researchers determined that the program can have an important effect on reducing bias in schools.  Information and data was gathered from more than 500 students in 10 schools across the country in 2005-2006.

The program uses a unique combination of instructional and peer influence strategies to combat name-calling, bullying and harassment, and create safe and inclusive school communities.  Peer Trainers take action against prejudice by leading workshops and interactive classroom presentations and facilitating discussions with their peers about the issues that concern them.  The A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute Peer Training Program has reached more than 27,000 students since its inception in 1991.

Yale evaluators found that students who had participated in the program were more knowledgeable and aware of issues of prejudice and discrimination in their schools, which had a positive impact on their responses to incidents of bias.

KEY FINDINGS OF THE EVALUATION:

•Students are able to better identify structural discrimination on the basis of race, class, gender, religion, size, ability, sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.
•Students build empathy for others and recognize that name-calling and bullying can be a manifestation of prejudice.
•Students are more likely to intervene when other students are being targeted.
•Students feel more empowered to enlist the support of their peers to stand up for others.

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.