Leslie students create positive change

Know Better, Do Better: Leslie students use their voices to create positive change

When five Leslie Middle School students noticed discriminatory language continuing to show up in their school community, they decided they wanted to do something about it.

Last spring, then-seventh graders Ben Higgins, Sophia Marcelino Bejar, Kiera Copeland, Rey Smith and Gracie Zade participated in presentations about the impact of racist, homophobic and ableist language. The conversations left them thinking about how the message might resonate differently if it came directly from students.

They asked a simple question: What if this message came from us instead of adults?

That question became Know Better, Do Better, a student-led project focused on helping their peers think more carefully about the words they use and creating a school environment where every student feels respected, valued and included.

Students leading the way

In about one month, the students took their idea from a conversation to a schoolwide assembly. They developed the concept, created a student survey, wrote speeches, invited guest speakers, coordinated logistics and helped organize the event for their peers.

They also shared personal experiences with hundreds of classmates, helping put a human face on the impact words can have.

Turning their voices into action

Following the event, students reported noticing less discriminatory language during passing time and greater awareness among their classmates about the words they use.

Know Better, Do Better is an example of what can happen when students recognize a challenge, find their voices and work together to create change.

For Ben, Sophia, Kiera, Rey and Gracie, making their school more welcoming started with the belief that students themselves could be part of the solution.

Their message is simple, but powerful: "When we know better, we can do better."