The campaign was created as a result of racist incidents Worcester student athletes endured at away games, including one that garnered attention on social media. Stand Against Racism seeks to call out hate, educate, hold others accountable, and uplift students to know that the district supports them — students of all racial backgrounds and identities. 

“Every child should be able to go to school and participate in extracurricular activities without having to endure hateful behavior,” said AG Campbell. “I am proud to help launch the Stand Against Racism Campaign to uplift students to stand up against hate and discrimination in all its forms.”

A rally was held today at Doherty Memorial High School with students from every district high school in attendance, along with Superintendent Brian E. Allen, Mayor Joseph M. Petty, YWCA of Central Mass. CEO Deborah Hall, and NAACP Worcester President Fred Taylor.

“The racist comments Worcester’s student athletes have endured are completely unacceptable and deplorable,” said Congressman McGovern. “I am grateful for the YWCA of Central Mass and the NAACP of Worcester for helping launch the Stand Against Racism Campaign because hate should have no home in our community. We have a duty to stand together in the fight against bigotry and discrimination, and to create a safe, inclusive space for young people of all backgrounds and identities to learn and grow.”

WPS has begun holding rallies with student athletes at every district high school and will extend the campaign into additional events throughout the year, along with conducting public awareness outreach. During the assemblies, students and adults recite the pledges, which reaffirm a commitment to fairness, kindness, and standing up against racism, bullying and discrimination of any kind.

“Our students should never have to carry the weight of someone else’s ignorance while competing in sports, learning in the classroom, or in other aspects of their lives,” said Superintendent Allen. “Racism thrives when good people stay quiet. As a school district, it’s our responsibility to call out hate, educate ourselves and others, hold people accountable, and lift up our students with everything we have.”

“Worcester is a city built on strength, diversity, and pride. When one of our students is targeted, all of us are targeted,” said Mayor Petty. “Worcester Public Schools students make the City proud through their skills, talent, and resilience. We will do all that we can to support them and fight ignorance, hate, and discrimination.” 

The Stand Against Racism Campaign will be a multi-year effort that will include but not be limited to:

• Athletic players reciting the pledge prior to games

• Adults reciting the pledge over the public address systems at the start of games

• Programming in high schools for all students around the harm of racism

• Discussions with student advisory groups

• Public awareness through banners and school TVs

• More anti-racism programming as the campaign progresses

“We welcome the Worcester Public Schools' commitment to creating equity, inclusion, and belonging across the school district,” said Deb Hall, CEO of the YWCA of Central Massachusetts. “We are proud to partner with them and the NAACP Worcester Branch to expand the YWCA's Stand Against Racism campaign and help create learning environments where every student feels valued, respected, and supported. Together, we affirm that our students deserve schools where dignity, safety, and humanity are nonnegotiable, and remain committed to dismantling structural racism and advancing justice for all.”

“When we see racism in Worcester, we cannot look the other way,” said Fred Taylor, President of the NAACP Worcester Chapter. “Silence gives prejudice room to grow, action dismantles it. We must be willing to challenge hate with truth and ignorance with education.”