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Holliston students present Playbook Unity Plan aimed at reducing identity‑based discrimination
Summary
Middle- and high-school students described workshops from Project 351's Playbook initiative and outlined a 'Unity Plan' of posters, peer-facilitated workshops and a June 17 day of action to spread lessons on inclusion and bystander intervention.
Students from Holliston presented the Playbook initiative and a student‑led ‘‘Unity Plan’’ to the Holliston Public Schools School Committee on Thursday, describing a series of workshops and a planned in‑school facilitation on June 17 aimed at reducing identity‑based discrimination.
Jay Patel, a junior at Holliston High School, explained Playbook’s structure and partners, saying the program is run in partnership with Project 351, the Boston Celtics, New Balance and the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents and currently includes 28 participating districts.
"Playbook's teachings promote inclusion, diversity and equity," Patel said, summarizing the workshops for middle school students. He described a three‑workshop model led by high‑school trainers in which students work through interactive activities, scenario discussions and a final ‘‘day of action’’ when they produce the Unity Plan for their school.
Student presenters described elements of the Unity Plan: informational posters to be installed around the Robert Adams middle‑school building, peer facilitation of workshops in middle‑school classrooms, and a day of action where middle‑school students brainstorm and begin executing projects to expand Playbook principles districtwide. One student said the program helped them “understand how stereotypes can make someone feel less themselves” and taught bystander intervention skills.
School officials in the meeting praised the students’ work. A committee member said the lessons learned by students are applicable to adults as well and commended the ‘‘ripple effect’’ goal — that trained students will carry Playbook lessons into high school as they mature.
Students said the program identified homophobic language and other gaps in school culture that they want to address through the Unity Plan. The committee did not take a formal vote on program funding or district policy at the meeting; presenters asked for continued committee support for Playbook activities and the committee expressed appreciation for the student leaders.
Committee members signaled support for the plan and for student leadership in spreading the program’s lessons across grade levels.
The students identified by name as participating in the presentation included Porter, Graham, Anna, Julia, Logan, Salah and Quinn; Jay Patel served as a trainer and presenter.
