Anti-Defamation League Recognizes Three Baldwin UFSD Schools with “No Place for Hate” Designation

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has officially recognized Baldwin High School, Meadow Elementary School, and Plaza Elementary School as a No Place for Hate^® School for its commitment to creating a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students. This is the first time Meadow has been honored with this designation, fourth time for Baldwin High School and the second time for Plaza Elementary School. In addition, all three schools received “Gold Star” status.

No Place for Hate^® is an initiative focused on creating inclusive school communities by encouraging unity and respect, while equipping schools to address bullying, name-calling, and other forms of bias. In accordance with the New York State Dignity Act, the program offers schools the chance to be recognized for their efforts in staff development and student training related to bullying, harassment, and discrimination.

To achieve the No Place for Hate^® school designation, several criteria must be met. First, a needs assessment should be performed to determine the specific needs of the school. Subsequently, a No Place for Hate^® committee must be formed to oversee program implementation. Signing the Resolution of Respect is also a crucial step to demonstrate commitment. Additionally, the school is required to design and conduct three school-wide activities focused on anti-bias or bullying prevention. For the “Gold Star” designation, the school must complete at least four activities instead of the minimum three. Upon completion, they became part of an expanding network of participating schools across New York and New Jersey.

“Our schools are honored to receive the Gold Designation for No Place for Hate, a recognition that speaks to the compassion, leadership, and unity present in our classrooms every day,” stated Mr. Anthony Mignella, superintendent of schools for Baldwin Union Free School District. “This achievement reflects our shared commitment to creating learning environments where all students feel welcomed, supported, celebrated, and inspired to thrive.”

Each of the schools spent the year focusing on hosting activities promoting inclusivity. At Baldwin High School, Dr. Gabriella Franza, assistant director of instructional programs for Baldwin UFSD and students in the Youth Change Leaders Collaborative (YCLC), were instrumental in helping their school earn the designation once again. Their final event planned by the students, “Culture Fest,” was a tremendous success.

Meadow Elementary School’s designation was made possible through the collective efforts of the student council, Future Problem Solvers, Character Counts club, Girl Scout Troop 2210, and the PTA. Their impactful initiatives comprised the Diwali and Lunar New Year Assemblies, “Cocoa and Customs” event and the Multicultural Festival. Co-chairs Sophea Sainsurin and Helen Singson, along with Meadow staff members Ms. Simal Vincenza, Mrs. Pria Das, Mrs. Linda Sandorfi and Ms. Nicole Naggar, also played a vital role in securing the No Place for Hate designation.

Dr. Yolanda Martin, principal of Meadow Elementary School, expressed immense pride in receiving this recognition for the first time. “We are incredibly proud to be recognized as a No Place for Hate School,” she shared. “This designation reflects our unwavering commitment to creating a school community where every student feels valued, respected, and empowered to be their authentic self. At Meadow School, we believe that fostering an inclusive environment is essential to both academic and personal growth. Through the No Place for Hate initiative, our students learn the importance of embracing diversity, standing up against bias and prejudice, and treating others with kindness and compassion. These are not just lessons we teach, but they are values we strive to model every day. This recognition affirms the collective efforts of our students, staff, PTA, and families to build a culture of belonging where hate and intolerance have no place, and every individual is celebrated for the unique strengths they bring to our community.

In addition, Plaza Elementary School implemented various activities and events promoting inclusivity, which would not have been possible without the leadership and hard work of staff members Ms. Leigh Sofarelli, Ms. Nicole Shagi, Ms. Alexa Hasman and Ms. Annette Sollitto. The recognition aligns directly with Plaza’s PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) Matrix of SOARING, as it reinforces expectations for students to show respect, offer kindness, act responsibly, include others, and never give up—helping the entire school community “SOAR” together. SOAR, which stands for Safety, Ownership, Accountability, Respect, also connects to the school’s proud aviation history and slogan, “where learning takes off.”

“Plaza Elementary School is proud to have continued their No Place for Hate campaign, this year receiving the distinguished Gold Star status,” emphasized Mr. Mark Gray, principal of Plaza Elementary School. “More than anything, this is a recognition of the important work we do each day to build a learning community anchored in tolerance and inclusion.”

The Anti-Defamation League acknowledged each of the schools’ designation with a customized No Place for Hate^® banner in June.

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