Today is officially a Day Without Hate in Jeffco schools.
Day Without Hate is a student-led, grassroots organization promoting nonviolence, respect and unity within Jeffco schools.
The day was developed after the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting as a way for students to take a stand against school violence.
“I hope that for a few minutes, or a few hours, the students of Jeffco can set aside their differences and say hello to each other,” said Standley Lake High School teacher and event organizer Ben Reed. “I hope every student feels included and feels safe at school.”
Many Jeffco schools will hold events to highlight differences and diversity that will end at a district-wide rally featuring music from the Flobots and MTV’s The Buried Life at Jeffco Stadium, 500 Kipling St., in Lakewood.
Stadium gates open at 5 p.m. and admission is free to all Jeffco high school students and staff wearing any Day Without Hate T-Shirt. Shirts will also be sold at the gates for $8. More than 13,000 shirts were sold across Jeffco, Colorado and several states. The stadium event is meant for middle and high school students.
At least $4,000 in scholarships will be given away to students working to promote peace and nonviolence in Jeffco schools.