April 20th has become a date that means more than the simple fact that May 1 is only 10 days away. April 20th, also known as 420 has evolved into a symbol associated with hate. Each year, it marks the observance of such national tragedies as the school shooting at Columbine High School, the “Wacco Incident” and the bombing of the Federal Building in Oaklahoma City. The more recent school shooting at Virginia Tech happened within in just a few days of this notorious date and many white supremacists still celebrate Hitler’s birthday. It’s sad that so many anniversaries are amassing around this date.

But, this year, I’m proposing that we make April 20th national “Stop the Hate!” Day. It’s time to stop perpetuating hate and time to re-focus our attention to prevention efforts. What can you do this year to help? You can begin by knowing that a Bill to expand the Federal Hate Crimes Law to include sexual orientation and gender identity is expected to be introduced to Congress on April 20th. This Bill, know as the Matthew Shepard Act, will support local law enforcement and prosecutors across the country respond more effectively to acts of hate and violence. Call your local Congressperson and Senator and tell him or her that you support this Bill.

Many victims of hate are born each year from acts of bias based on race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and disability and many of these victims are high school and college students. You can help prevent incidents of bias and hate at your local high school or college by bringing Stop the Hate! to the campus. Stop the Hate! prepares local teachers, student leaders, administrators, and staff by empowering them with knowledge and skills to take action to prevent acts of hate. Education and awareness is the most effective tool we have to stop the hate.