Houston, TX, May 9, 2007 ... The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) highlighted its Community of Respect® initiative with a series of events in Houston and Sugar Land during Community of Respect® Week, May 3-9. Most of the events were open to the public, and all of them sparked new interest in the program.

The week began with the Walter Kase Teacher Excellence Awards Luncheon, honoring Jacqueline Bickerstaff of Elkins High School, Dr. Gloria Fishman of the Kinkaid Lower School, and Diantha Sneed of River Oaks Baptist School. A record-breaking Teacher Excellence Awards luncheon, the event attracted a crowd of nearly 800 people, and according to attendees, inspired and informed those who came.

The luncheon was followed by a diversity summit for businesses in Sugar Land, sponsored by the Association of Chinese American Professionals. Employees of a variety of businesses and institutions, from energy companies to banks to Sugar Land city agencies like the Police Department participated, and enjoyed presentations from a number of experts including Rice University Sociologist Dr. Stephen Klineberg.

Next, the week celebrated Cinco De Mayo with a parade sponsored by the League of United Latin American Citizens, and supported the Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival. Both showcased important aspects of Houston's very diverse community.

A special showing of the movie, CRASH, brought out a diverse audience to enjoy the film and discuss reaction to the portrayals of individuals whose lives intersect in 24-hour period in Los Angeles. Dr. Klineberg also addressed the movie audience before the picture, and afterward a panel of representatives from the Organization for Chinese Americans, League of United Latin American Citizens, and NAACP spoke about their reactions to the film.

The week ended with a day dedicated to respect in the schools, and another dedicated to respect in the home, workplace, government, and faith institutions. Many Houstonians kept their headlights on that day, to "shine a light on respect." ADL hopes Community of Respect® week will result in even more businesses, faith institutions, law enforcement agencies, non-profit agencies, sports, media and entertainment venues, colleges and universities and government offices officially becoming a Community of Respect®.

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.