For Immediate Release April 26, 2024

Contact: Becca Rose [email protected]

NEW YORK – In light of recent protests on college campuses in response to the war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, it has become increasingly vital to underscore the importance of safety and conflict de-escalation within protest spaces. Peaceful assembly is a fundamental right and a historically powerful tool for social and political change, and it is essential for people on the ground to be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to prioritize the safety and well-being of all participants. 

“In these uncertain times, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting the safety and rights of student and faculty protestors as they exercise their right to peacefully protest,” said Emily May, President and Co-founder of Right To Be. “Providing resources and training that support de-escalation in protest spaces, not only upholds the principles of our democracy but also nurtures the growth of future leaders who will emerge from this moment as advocates and activists committed to the human rights of all people.”

To support those on the frontlines at protests, Right To Be is offering Conflict De-Escalation in Protest Spaces training for free. The 60-minute interactive training teaches participants how to de-escalate counter protesters so that hate and harassment don’t escalate into violence. Using Right To Be’s Observe-Breathe-Connect methodology, this training teaches participants how to identify potential conflict before it escalates and how to assess whether intervening is the right course of action. 

“The protests surrounding the ongoing conflict in Gaza have sparked passionate expressions of solidarity and concern. We want to be clear that antisemitism and Islamophobia have no place in protest, and as tensions run high and emotions intensify, it is crucial for administrations to create and maintain an environment where students and faculty are treated with dignity and respect,” said Jorge Artega, Vice President of Movement Building.

Right To Be has been leading bystander intervention since 2012 and has worked alongside community partners including T’ruah and CAIR Chicago in recent months to offer support to those affected by the rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia. The Bystander Intervention to Stop Antisemitic, Xenophobic, and Islamophobic Harassment program, created by Right To Be and co-facilitated by a Jewish and Muslim trainer, is a 75-minute trainings that address the types of hate and harassment facing Jews and Muslims as well as those who are perceived as Jewish or Muslim, and teaches participants Right To Be’s 5D’s methodology. For interested parties, a full schedule of Right To Be’s free trainings can be found HERE.

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Right To Be is a people-powered movement working to build a world free of harassment and filled with humanity. We are a team of educators, motivators, and facilitators who are listening, guiding, and cheering you on. Every day, we train hundreds of people to respond to, intervene in, and heal from harassment. We hold space for people experiencing harassment to share their stories for affirmation and support. And we prepare new leaders to create workplaces, schools, and communities around the world that are filled with humanity. For more information on how you can get involved, visit www.righttobe.org. Follow Right To Be on Twitter and Facebook at @righttobeorg.