Students Explore History, Tolerance and the Power of Speaking Up

“That's misogynist,” an eighth-grade girl said, reacting to an Instagram post that used Disney's Cinderella to suggest that women should know their place. “That's hate speech against women.” 

The exchange sparked a conversation about online hate speech, why people spread harmful messages and how young people can respond. It was one of the lessons that seventh- and eighth-grade students explored when the Mobile Museum of Tolerance (MMOT) visited George Fischer Middle School for three days this month. An innovative classroom on wheels, the MMOT brings history and contemporary issues to students through interactive, facilitator-led workshops. At GFMS, students examined lessons from the civil rights movement and learned how to recognize and combat online hate speech. Lindsay Brill, an education facilitator with the MMOT, led the workshop on online hate speech. After displaying the Instagram post about Cinderella, she asked students why someone might share such a message. 
“They know there are people out there who agree with them and they will connect,” one student responded. 

An eighth-grade boy said he feared the post would have a bad impact. “It's not about me," he said. "But even I don't like seeing stuff like that.” 

The discussion turned to the importance of being an “upstander” — someone who speaks out when others are targeted or put down — rather than remaining silent. “At a time of increasing division, using the lessons of history to teach tolerance is more urgent than ever,” George Fischer Middle School Principal John Fratto said. The visit also emphasized the value of understanding various points of view. 
“Bringing the Mobile Museum of Tolerance to GFMS gives our students an opportunity to learn from history, understand perspectives different from their own, and develop the compassion and critical thinking they need to be thoughtful, informed citizens,” said Dr. Jeff C. Gorman, assistant superintendent for instruction. 
In addition to its student workshops, the MMOT hosted an afternoon community open house, welcoming residents to step inside the mobile museum, engage with educators and explore lessons on navigating today's digital landscape.