Dear John,

Sounds Like Hate—a new podcast from our colleagues in the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Intelligence Project—is an audio documentary series about the dangers and peril of everyday people who engage in extremism, and the ways to disengage them from a life of hatred. 

The podcast dedicates two episodes to exploring how one Vermont high school is grappling with questions about flying a Black Lives Matter flag and removing a mascot some say bears a disturbing resemblance to a hooded Klansman.

In his newest article, Teaching Tolerance Senior Writer Cory Collins explores three valuable lessons from Sounds Like Hate about fighting racism in schools and communities:

• Lesson One: Symbols tell a story students notice—and they often reflect systemic problems.
• Lesson Two: School leaders and educators must embrace discomfort.
• Lesson Three: Supporting student activism is multifaceted work that benefits all students.

We’re grateful to the students and educators who shared these lessons and stories with Sounds Like Hate. We hope you’ll have a chance to read more, and to listen for yourself.

Thank you for all you do for students every day.

Teaching Tolerance