PSUSD students sign pledge against hate speech during district-wide campaign
Kendall Flynn
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – PSUSD students are working to end hate speech in their classrooms through the district wide campaign “PSUSD Stands Up to Hate.” District officials say the program is to combat hate speech and promote inclusivity within its schools and the broader community.
The PSUSD Director of Title IX and Compliance Dr. Antonia Hunt said the district board passed a resolution in February 2024 deciding it would not stand for any hate in schools. She said it was an issue they saw a growing need to take a stand against.
“As a country as a whole, we’ve seen an uptick in the rhetoric and the hate that we’re seeing both online and even in person,” Hunt said. “We’ve really noticed that hate speech has a resounding effect on all students.”
The district has developed resources to prevent and address hate speech, which the students learn and discuss throughout the week. Through the “PSUSD Stands Up to Hate” initiative, the district says it looks to create a culture of respect and understanding, and for students to feel safe and valued.
Photo Courtesy: Desert Hot Springs High School
Desert Hot Springs High School implemented these educational tactics years ago, and was excited when administrators made it a district-wide campaign. DHSHS Principal Omar Tinoco said they started the educational program because of verbal hate speech with slurs throughout his school, and since then they’ve seen a decrease.
“They should be able to walk around, doesn’t matter gender, sex, race, you’re a student. You’re a golden eagle here at the high school,” Tinoco said. “Hopefully when you graduate you can take that with you as an adult — I am extremely proud of them.”
Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from a student who has experienced hate speech in school and is helping make sure it stops.
Resources for any student experiencing hate speech or bullying:
PSUSD says all students can report to any adult on campus
Submit a complaint: https://www.psusd.us/complaints
Visit PSUSD Stand Up to Hate https://www.psusd.us/standuptohate