About the Program

 

In the era of social media, antisemitism, Holocaust denial, and racism are no longer hidden in the margins, spewed by fringe hate groups. The Anti-Defamation League has reported that antisemitic incidents and hate crimes in the U.S. have reached an all-time high. In addition, our society is experiencing an epidemic of extremism that encourages intolerance and polarization. By promoting the understanding of others’ perspectives and studying past examples of antisemitism and racism – and the connections to events today, the Morris and Judy Sarna Breaking Bias and Creating Community Program seeks to counter societal fragmentation and build better communities within schools and beyond.

This program is designed and implemented as a partnership between local secondary schools and UConn’s Neag School of Education. Led by Dr. Alan Marcus and supported by Judy Sarna and her late husband Morris, the program uses cutting-edge technology to reduce bias and meets state-mandated Holocaust education requirements and draws on the newly approved Connecticut State Social Studies Standards.

Learn More

Hear more about the program from Dr. Marcus on the UConn 360 podcast.

Key Program Features

There are several unique and innovative features of the Breaking Bias and Creating Community Program. These include:

  • We use cutting-edge technology from the USC Shoah Foundation and the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center including interactive digital Holocaust survivors and virtual reality.
  • Each school gets a customized experience. The program is modified for each school and community to meet their goals. The photographs will draw from the specific context while curriculum materials are designed with teachers to meet the needs of their students.
  • The program is based on previous research of what works and also includes a rigorous evaluation to measure impact and continuously improve the program.
  • Teachers are trained to be facilitators to use the technology and participate in professional development and creating curriculum. This makes the program sustainable in that school in future years.
  • All aspects of the program are interdisciplinary, involving multiple departments and subject areas.
  • The larger community beyond the school walls is integrated into the exhibit and activities. This promotes community building and sustainability.

UConn Impact

In addition to the direct impact to K-12 schools throughout Connecticut, this program also benefits Neag School students and faculty. Teacher education program students assist with presenting the materials and collaborating with teachers at schools, giving them hands-on experience organizing, planning, and facilitating a program of this scale, as well as in communicating with school administrators and community members. Faculty receive enhanced professional development through the use of cutting-edge technology such as virtual reality and digital testimony.