SWC & MOT Partner with CA State Education Department in New “Education to End Hate” Initiative to Combat anti-Semitism, Bias, Bigotry and Racism

September 21, 2020

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced a new, multifaceted “Education to End Hate” initiative designed to empower educators and students to confront the hate, bigotry, and racial animosity rising in communities across the state and nation. 

Under this new effort, the California Department of Education will lead a series of strategies – including teacher training grants, partnerships with community leaders, and virtual classroom sessions – that leverage the power of education to create a more just society.

Based on it’s longstanding work and reputation of fighting anti-Semitism and bigotry, the Simon Wiesenthal Center and Museum of Tolerance have been asked to offer signature training to schools who will then use this for countering anti-Semitism in California. 

Rabbi Meyer H. May, SWC Executive Director of the SWC, reiterated the importance of training and how it can help schools counter anti-Semitism. “The Simon Wiesenthal Center is the preeminent organization fighting  anti-Semitism, bigotry and hate globally,” said Rabbi May. “Its Museum of Tolerance is a proud and trusted partner to schools throughout California in advancing anti-bias education, inclusion and equity through unique professional development programs and educator resources,” he added. “The MOT has has also adapted its experiential content for virtual programs for educators, students and parents,” Rabbi May concluded. 

Superintendent Thurmond (top, left), Rabbi Meyer H. May (top row, 2nd left) and other participants during the virtual press conference announcing the new “Education to End Hate” initiative.