ABSTRACT
This chapter will explore the rise of hate historically as well as the current political climate through the work of the national organization, The Southern Poverty Law Center and Teaching Tolerance. With the analysis of numerous large-scale studies and measures, findings will be shared on the response by students and teachers to the political climate nationally and locally. At the center of the chapter is an interview with Maureen Costello. Through interview-based data and evidence, the chapter describes the challenges that exist for educators, students and the community to counteract a rising and resistant culture of hate in the United States. Ideas for best practices and the formation of active participants in a diverse democracy are explored.
