• Review sensitive curricular material. Remember that some "classics" and mainstream literary works contain language, scenes and characters that may offend some students. The novel Huckleberry Finn, for example, has raised widespread concerns over its use of the word "nigger." Before assigning such a book, discuss with students the objectionable elements and their possible interpretations, and communicate with parents about your reasons for using the material. Avoid singling out members of minority groups in the process. Keep in mind that the appropriateness of such materials is always subject to debate.

• Evaluate media messages. Be alert to music, video games and other entertainment products that demean people. Help students consider the ways that media messages influence their own attitudes for better or worse. With student input, establish respect-based criteria for all music and other entertainment permitted at school functions.

• Promote responsible Internet use. Adopt an Acceptable Use Policy for the Internet that addresses on-line hate and harassment (see also Acceptable Internet Use Policy.). Send copies of the school's Internet use policy home for each student and a parent or guardian to sign as a permission agreement and keep signed forms on file in the office or media center. Emphasize that keeping a password private is part of a user's responsibility for ensuring that no disrespectful messages are sent from his or her e-mail address.

• Be aware of on-line hate. Use research by an organization such as the Southern Poverty Law Center's Intelligence Project to stay informed about hate sites and on-line recruitment by hate groups. Train students in media centers, or in language arts or social studies classes, to identify electronic hate propaganda and evaluate all sources on the Internet for bias and accuracy.

• Counteract cyber-hate. Encourage a class or student organization to set up an anti-hate Web site or a page on the school Web site, perhaps centered on an issue of local concern like Indian mascots or Confederate flags. The project could have strong appeal to today's creative and technologically savvy teens as a means of fighting hate. For ideas, check out "Coloradans United Against Hatred" at www.cuah.org, a Web site recently launched by a coalition of community organizations as a response to a series of hate crimes in Colorado (see also Encourage Student Activism).