FCPS racial equity committee outlines expansion, participation and timeline for ADL 'No Place for Hate' program

Frederick County Public Schools staff told the Racial Equity Committee on Oct. 7 that the district—s "No Place for Hate" program, run in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League, has grown since a 2024 pilot and now includes more than 20 participating schools.

Dr. Ardis, director of leadership and organizational development and supervisor of FCPS—s equity office, told committee members the program is intended to improve school climate by combating bullying, harassment and intimidation and by elevating student voice in schools across the system. "It is an Anti-Defamation League program," Ardis said, explaining the ADL provides program criteria and supports school-level activities.

The program debuted as a pilot in 2024 with three schools, Ardis said, and expanded to 21 participating schools last year; all 10 comprehensive high schools took part, with additional nontraditional high-school programs counted in the ADL—s totals. Ardis told the committee that, based on a system equity climate survey and a separate student perceptual survey, FCPS had room to improve on students— sense of belonging and respect: "we had 72% of…