Building a school climate that welcomes diversity can change and enrich your life. Think seriously about the following possibilities:

Examine and come to terms with your own personal prejudices.

Take responsibility for addressing discrimination and biases you encounter at school.

Know your school's policies and disciplinary process concerning bias and discriminatory incidents. Take action by reporting such incidents to school officials.

Get involved in activities and events sponsored by different groups at your school.

Enroll in a semester-long cultural diversity course or workshop, or course about a culture different than yours.

Volunteer at a community agency that offers services to a particular racial, religious or ethnic group.

Get to know students of different ethnic or cultural backgrounds than your own.

Don't be afraid to discuss with a school counselor or administrator your feelings about people who are different from you.

Learn to overcome the tendency to stereotype members of various ethnic or cultural groups, try to develop sensitivity to their feelings and experiences.

With other members of your ethnic or religious group, organize programs to educate the school community about your culture. With your group, work in a coalition with other groups on issues and activities of mutual concern and interest.

A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE Institute, Anti-Defamation League.