On March 27, Schreiber hosted its annual Equality Day. The event showcased various presentations in the library from several clubs, including the Judaism Club, the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Club, the iCulture Club, and the Women Empowerment Club.

It was an all-day event broken down by one club per period.  The Judaism Club held a presentation about hate crimes during one period, while the Women Empowerment Club discussed body images in media, the question of what it means to be a “feminist,” and sexual assault, particularly regarding the #MeToo movement.  The GSA presented on stereotypes, hate crimes, bullying, and representation in media within the LGBTQ+ community.

During sixth period, there was a panel where students from the GSA, the Women Empowerment Club, the iCulture Club, and the International Homework Club answered questions about whether Schreiber is a safe space.  This turned into a discussion with Principal Dr. Ira Pernick, Dr. Julie Torres, and the audience.

Many students were moved by the event and the various presentations that they saw throughout the day.

“Having both seen and presented a presentation, I truly feel that Equality Day was a great opportunity for the school,” said junior grader Katie Winter.  “It created an environment for inter-club discussion, and it was a great way to teach others about the importance of making everyone feel accepted, whether in or out of school.”

Especially with Schreiber having experienced several hate crime incidents, this event posed as an opportunity to celebrate differences.  Each club touched upon some issues facing society, specifically in relation to their own unique mission. Throughout the day, there was a significant turnout of students and classes that came to watch the presentations and take part in the discussions.

This student-run event involved a great effort on the part of the various club members and committed staff.  Many students applauded the several Schreiber clubs for organizing presentations that dealt with important, sometimes sensitive topics with an open-minded and forward-thinking approach of aiming to educate the student body.

“The ability of having an entire day devoted to such an important cause was an incredible student driven initiative. I’m glad to have played a part in it,” said junior and Judaism Club member Priya Chainani.

For many of those students who were involved, Equality Day had a significant impact on them by providing them with educational presentations for the purpose of increasing awareness of certain issues and igniting important change.