ALBANY, NY — In a clear demonstration of community‑driven effort to address hate speech in schools, over 100 high school students gathered Thursday morning at Capital Region BOCES for the fifth annual Elevating Student Voices program. The event, organized by Dr. Eva Jones, brought together participants from more than 20 school districts across the Capital Region.
Program structure and goals
Dr. Jones, the program’s coordinator and facilitator, explained that the format is intentionally designed to connect students from different school environments. “The format is really designed with intention to bring students together from multiple school environments,” she said. “We have a number of schools, over 20, participating today, and they get a chance to sit side by side with each other and discuss issues that are happening in their school and create solutions.”
The day featured four student discussion circles, each focused on identifying instances of hate speech and brainstorming concrete steps to create more respectful school climates. Participants also received training to become facilitators of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within their own districts.
Positive impact reported by school leaders
Neil Estrada, assistant principal at Burnt Hills‑Ballston Lake High School, observed a noticeable shift among students who take part in the program. “I see our students who are participating in the events just become more familiar and comfortable with themselves in the work that they’re doing,” Estrada said.
These observations come after recent incidents that have heightened concern among educators and parents. A video surfaced showing white students at Colonie Central High School using the N‑word, and racist graffiti, including references to the Ku Klux Klan, was discovered in the bathrooms of Albany High School.
Student voices on the front lines
During a protest on Oct. 19, a Colonie student expressed disappointment at the prevalence of hateful behavior. “It’s really disappointing to me that there’s so many people that are just around us that support this kind of like, unacceptable behavior. It’s disgusting,” the student said.
Dr. Jones emphasized that students are seeking schools where they feel safe and accepted. “Our students want a community where we no longer have hate speech, where they walk the halls and they feel like they belong,” she said.
Future sessions and community involvement
Elevating Student Voices has two additional student sessions scheduled at BOCES on Dec. 4 and March 12. Organizers also plan a youth summit at Proctors Theatre on April 28, which will bring together even more students, parents, and community leaders to continue the dialogue.
The program reflects a growing trend among local schools to empower students to take an active role in shaping inclusive environments, rather than relying solely on top‑down policies. By training youth as facilitators, the initiative aims to sustain respectful discourse throughout the school year.
Community members interested in supporting the program or learning more about upcoming events are encouraged to contact Capital Region BOCES or visit the Elevating Student Voices website.
Original reporting: CBS 6 WRGB Albany (local) — read the source article.
