Broomfield proclaims April 17, 2025, No Place for Hate Day after student coalition presentations

Students from Broomfield Heights Middle School and Emerald Elementary presented work by their No Place for Hate coalitions at a City and County of Broomfield study session, and Mayor Pro Tem Schaff read a proclamation declaring April 17, 2025, as No Place for Hate Day in Broomfield.

The student presenters described anti-bullying campaigns, school pledges and community outreach the groups have organized. ‘‘I don't want anybody to ever feel like they're unsafe or feeling bullied wherever they are,’’ said Lola Powell, an eighth grader at Broomfield Heights Middle School. Emerald Elementary representatives said their school has been a No Place for Hate site for 12 consecutive years and has 30 student members from third through fifth grades who meet biweekly.

The proclamation the mayor pro tem read says the day recognizes anti-bias education and ‘‘celebrates the efforts No Place for Hate coalitions at Broomfield Heights Middle School and Emerald Elementary,’’ and it encourages participation in anti-bias activities across the county.

Anti-Defamation League representative Jerry, who identified himself as affiliated with the ADL, praised the student work and the council's recognition. ‘‘I cannot tell you how gratifying it is to see the city council do what they're doing today. This does not happen in many cities,’’ he said, noting the student-generated nature of the programs and the ADL's role in supporting them.

Students detailed local activities, including a wear-pink anti-bullying day, a community chalk-the-walk initiative, an annual “resolution of respect” drafted and signed at their schools, and library displays coordinated with Broomfield-area libraries. Presenters said Emerald Elementary’s coalition represents about 17 languages and students from 15 countries and emphasized that the groups aim to normalize discussion of bias and bullying.

Council members and the city manager thanked the students and volunteers for their work; no vote was recorded — the proclamation was read publicly and entered into the record by Mayor Pro Tem Schaff.

Background: No Place for Hate is a program sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League; Jerry said the ADL helps provide skills and resources to student-led coalitions and noted the program’s presence in multiple Broomfield schools.

Proposed next steps mentioned during the session included continued school and library programming and community support for student-led activities. A group photo and brief public comments followed the presentation.