Broomfield proclaims April 17, 2025, “No Place for Hate Day” after student coalitions’ presentation

Students from Broomfield Heights Middle School and Emerald Elementary presented lessons and activities from their No Place for Hate student coalitions to the Broomfield City and County Council on May 13, 2025, and the council issued a proclamation designating April 17, 2025, as No Place for Hate Day in Broomfield.

The students described coalition activities that include an annual “resolution of respect,” schoolwide presentations, and campaigns such as Wear Pink Day and chalk-the-walk events to spread positive messages. “I don’t want anybody to ever feel like they’re unsafe or feeling bullied wherever they are,” said Lola Powell, an eighth-grade student at Broomfield Heights Middle School, explaining why the coalition’s work matters to her.

The coalitions’ work, students said, focuses on educating peers, planning inclusion activities and creating pledges shaped by student input. Emerald Elementary said it has been a No Place for Hate school for 12 consecutive years and noted that about 30 student members from grades three through five meet biweekly to plan and run events.

Anti-Defamation League representative Jerry (last name not specified in the meeting) praised the student-led programs and told council members the ADL helps provide skills and resources but that the activities are student generated. Council members and staff thanked the students, emphasized the ripple effect of school-based anti-bullying efforts on the wider community, and Mayor Pro Tem Schaff presented the proclamation.

The formal language read into the record declared April 17, 2025, No Place for Hate Day in Broomfield and encouraged “individuals and organizations throughout Broomfield to support anti-bias education and activities.” The proclamation was presented without a formal vote; council members offered verbal thanks and invited the student groups to arrange follow-up outreach and a group photo.

The presentation was followed by brief public comments from residents thanking the students and encouraging broader adult participation in anti-bullying efforts. The ADL representative and council members encouraged parents and community groups to contact local schools and libraries for information on how to start or support No Place for Hate activities.

The council’s acceptance of the proclamation does not create a new program or budget item; it is a civic recognition of existing school and community coalitions and their outreach.