NEW YORK (Press Release) – In response to the rise of antisemitism and other forms of discrimination in the United States, ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) and L’Oréal USA are partnering on an education initiative designed to raise awareness and promote understanding about the Holocaust among thousands of students in American classrooms.
The new initiative will create direct-to-student digital classroom activities reaching more than 100,000 middle and high school students at approximately 1,750 schools across the country by the end of 2024. Leveraging more than 15 years of expertise through its successful Echoes & Reflections program, ADL’s new curriculum will offer students self-paced independent learning opportunities and digital interactions, including testimonials, personal narratives and access to primary sources to create an engaging way to learn about the lessons of history that are relevant today.
“With antisemitism rising around the world, it is essential to provide students with a strong foundation of knowledge about the history of the Holocaust, so that they can understand the consequences of hatred and prejudice,” said Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO and National Director.
“We hope to be able to help turn back the rising tide of discrimination by promoting understanding and empathy among a new generation of students,” said Stéphane Rinderknech, President & CEO of L’Oréal USA.
In recognition of L’Oréal’s long-standing commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion within the company and to respecting human rights and confronting antisemitism in society, ADL will honor Jean-Paul Agon, Chairman of the L’Oréal Group, with its prestigious Courage Against Hate Award. The award will be presented during ADL’s Never Is Now Summit on Antisemitism and Hate on November 7, where Mr. Agon will deliver a keynote address.
“Receiving the Courage Against Hate Award is one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Jean-Paul Agon. “L’Oréal has been a proud supporter of ADL’s work for decades and, over those years, we have been privileged to witness a courageous organization waging important campaigns against all forms of hate. I will accept this award on behalf of the more than 85,000 L’Oréal employees worldwide who bring our values of respect, courage, integrity and transparency to life every day, ensuring that we live up to the highest standards of corporate responsibility that we have set for ourselves.”
In receiving this award, Mr. Agon joins other leaders who have used their influence and commitment to fight prejudice and discrimination, including Apple CEO Tim Cook (2018), Chobani CEO and Founder Hamdi Ulukaya (2019) and Merck & Co. Executive Chairman Kenneth C. Frazier (2020).
*
Preceding provided by the Anti-Defamation League