Manhattan Middle School in Boulder, CO, has worked diligently over the past five years to create an Allies Club that now has more than 100 student members. This group meets weekly to explore diversity as it relates to students’ lives. The Allies group brings attention to the ways that certain groups are treated differently and works to understand the value of differences and to accept all people for who they are.
Through activities, deep reflection, and connections to the community, Manhattan Middle School has created a cultural shift where students are encouraged to support one another as allies in school and the community, standing up for those who are bullied and judged negatively for being outside the norm, particularly those norms based on sexual and gender identity.
This video highlights Manhattan Middle School’s Allies Day and accompanies the Creating an Allies in Diversity Program guide.
Colorado Education Initiative