Tampabay.com

JANUARY 28, 2009

Discrimination PSA Contest

Attention High-school students!

Have you ever faced discrimination?

Have you ever witnessed people being treated unfairly because of the way they dress, their accent or their religious beliefs?

Have you ever seen bigotry and intolerance toward a certain person or group because of race, gender or age?

If you haven't faced these atrocities yourself, have you read about them in the St. Petersburg Times?

Would you like to try a project that could change people's belief systems for the better while making your city, neighborhood or school safer?

The Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) receives complaints of discrimination from throughout the state and they know that students are facing instances of hate crimes, discrimination and bullying, which can lead to all kinds of problems. The FCHR wants to hear your views and solutions to the issues surrounding discrimination.

The commission is holding a video public service announcement (PSA) contest "Discrimination Through the Eyes of Our Youth," which is open to all Florida students in grades nine through 12. The winning PSAs, which will be announced on June 30, 2009, will be seen on various media outlets throughout the state, (including the St. Petersburg Times Newspaper in Education Web site), that have agreed to work with the commission. This contest is being held to celebrate the commission’s 40th anniversary.

Students can submit 25-second video PSAs on any of the following topics: fair treatment and equality; discrimination and what it means to students and/or Florida as a whole; the role of communities, businesses and/or schools in addressing discrimination; or solutions to prevent or eliminate discrimination in Florida.

What are some examples of these topics you have read about in the Times? Scan the newspaper for stories that demonstrate the troubles and trauma these topics can cause. Click on the comments box below and share a brief overview of the article you read and what you would do to solve it. If you prefer, you can give a description of the PSA you would write. Be sure to tell us which article in the Times inspired you to write your PSA.

Check the Times' Newspaper in Education Web site for more information coming soon: www.tampabay.com/nie

Join the discussion: Click to view comments, add yours

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