Not on Our Campus: Administrators Adopt Nationwide Anti-discrimination Policy

In light of recent incidents of students using offensive speech, administration, led by Assistant Principals Terri Henry and Mark Harris, have established a “Not on Our Campus” (NOOC) campaign. As an extension of the “Not in Our Town” (NIOT) organization, the goal of this PBS sponsored movement is to establish inclusivity within communities and schools. 

“This is something we should have done a long time ago,” Henry said. “We want to make sure everyone here feels safe physically, emotionally, and socially.”

Later this month, Student Council plans to develop a theme week in honor of NOOC. Meet in the Middle is also advertising the movement with a signature poster board in the H hallway.

“Hopefully people will be more mindful about what they say,” Henry said. “In addition to that, they will know how to respond to situations (of prejudice).”

Mr. Harris initially discovered the movement and proposed the idea to fellow administrators. Upon approval, a video was shown in 2nd period classes in which students explained the importance of tolerance. His hopes are to create a student-led atmosphere that promotes acceptance. 
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“To me, this is a situation of empathy,” Harris said. “Most people don’t know how to see things from other peoples’ perspectives. Getting people to understand the effects of their words and actions is my personal idea on what this program is about.”

~Taylor Trapp- ​Online Editor-in-Chief

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