Bystander Intervention Training Helps Defuse Racial Hate

The one-hour, interactive virtual workshop co-sponsored by Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC) and Hollaback! was presented via Zoom. The workshop helped Grier students and teachers learn how to intervene effectively as a bystander without compromising personal safety using the Hollaback! 5Ds of bystander intervention methodology:  Distract, Delegate, Document, Delay, and Direct. 

The training began with a discussion of the types of disrespect experienced by Asian and Asian American people currently, from microaggressions to direct violence on the spectrum of disrespect. The training also helped illustrate what bystanders can look for and how bystander intervention has a positive impact on individuals and communities. With the techniques of this training, Grier students and teachers became more confident in their ability to intervene when witnessing Anti-Asian or Anti-Asian-American harassment whether online or in-person.

Thanks, Mrs. Salyards and Beyond the Bubble for arranging this important and timely learning experience. 


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