July
2003 marks the third year of the Teaching Tolerance
Program. This innovative "pilot" program
is designed to deter bias-related crimes by providing law
enforcement guided instruction on issues concerning bias-based criminal conduct and related behaviors for all Yolo County
secondary school youth. The program also provides students a forum
to air their concerns and delve into their own biases,
misconceptions, and prejudices, with the goal of
sensitizing them to tolerance-based issues and
preventing the attitudes that lead to crimes of
intolerance.
This program is supported by a grant from the
Office of Criminal Justice & Planning, which funds a full-time
deputy sheriff position to travel to and teach at all
seven school districts in the county.
Deputy Dave Heller, assigned to this program since it's inception, takes on
the role of teacher and mentor to the students. The message given in
the six-lesson curriculum is one of tolerance and respect. From
the curriculum, students
learn that they have the right to attend schools that are safe, and free
from harassment and discrimination. Students also explore the nature of
hate crimes and hate groups who seek to deny certain people their
rights. The program seeks to raise the awareness of
students, create understanding, and generate support for members of
those groups in our community.
Another area touched upon is adolescence, which is a
confusing and trying time for all youths. Another group that is
frequently the target of bias and prejudice is the GLBTQ (Gay, Lesbian,
Bi-sexual, Transgender, and Questioning) community. This group also
experiences hate with incidents ranging from name calling to murder.
Through education, we try to illustrate that bias and prejudice left unchecked can destroy a community.
During
the 2002-2003 school year, the Teaching Tolerance Program
continued to flourish. Nine schools participated
in the program, with 1,149 students receiving the
curriculum. 100% grade level participation was achieved
at most of the schools.
