Massachusetts - One man CAN make a difference. .  . the motto used to define the efforts of Headmaster Gerard J. Linehan of the Randolph Junior/ High School to promote diversity, peace and tolerance in the school.
    On April 13 – April 14, leaders from various local organizations, including elected officials, community leaders, and human rights activists, were invited to speak with the students about different issues that are affecting their community.  These gatherings were part of a weeklong awareness program designed to promote peace and tolerance.
   “World of Difference” week began with the re-enactment of a trial which took place under the leadership of an actual superior court judge assisted by professional lawyers.  District Attorney William R. Keating said that the purpose of this mock trial was to send a clear message that hate crimes will not be tolerated.
     In order to reinforce the ideas of the program the students participated in classroom activities as well.
    On Tuesday, April 13, Lieutenant Paul Porter of the Randolph Police Department spoke about domestic violence.  In most cases of domestic violence, the children are the victims, it is important that they become aware of the consequences of domestic violence and the resources available to help them deal with this sensitive issue.  Randolph Selectman Jim Burgess spoke about stereotyping individuals in the correctional system.  Arnold Kartz spoke about the gay and lesbian issues.  Specialists throughout the week discussed many more important issues.
    To wind up the activities a cultural event was held, featuring keynote speaker Anthony Liuzzo, an awards presentation by District Attorney   Keating,   and  the  Randolph  High School Gold and Silver Medal Jazz Band with the Original Black Kings.
   Headmaster Linehan kicked off the event with an eloquent speech emphasizing the importance of diversity and tolerance.  His face expressed remorse while recalling the time when black people could not go to school, and the day when Dr. Martin Luther King was murdered.  The strength of Headmaster Linehan’s character and his sincerity combined with his dedication to this peace project set the tone for the rest of the event.
    Then the curtain was drawn and the Student Alliance against Racism and Violence presented a musical sketch under the direction of music director Lisa Pimental.  In the first episode a student told the story of a young soldier whose life was disrupted due to  the  distress   and   suffering of war.  The student was praised by an overwhelming standing ovation when he condemned the current bombing of Yugoslavia, and the advancements in war technology.
   “There is no such thing as a smart bomb, bombs are designed to kill people,” he screamed.
   That kid is not alone, many believe that diplomacy should replace the art of war.  In his remarks, Mr. Liuzzo said that he understood the feelings of the students, however, we can’t sit back and let one ethnic group destroy another because of their religion and beliefs.
   The ceremony continued with a presentation of awards and certificates of recognition to several people for their distinguished contribution to promoting peace and tolerance in this small community.
    The Randolph High School Jazz Band with special performances by the Original Black Kings captivated the audience with their music.  There were a few rap songs that left everyone with the impression that these rap songs contained anti-violence messages but, unfortunately, as always, it is a problem to catch the meaning of rap songs unless you see them in writing.  Rap music carries a reputation as a means to express frustration through violence.
  In general, the “World of Difference” week was a success.  It puts Randolph High steps ahead of the new project announced last month by President Bill Clinton relating to Partnership to Teach Tolerance in Middle Schools.  It was noticeable that none of the Randolph Public Schools leaders and decision-makers were present at the celebration.
   The efforts of Headmaster Linehan and DA Keating seem to be rewarding, the word it out.  State Senator Brian Joyce of Milton applauded the people who took the initiative to organize the “World of Difference” week this year.  He took the opportunity to praise Randolph’s leaders for their efforts to move the town toward building a community more open to diversity.
   Dr. Raymond Placide, a resident of Randolph and senior public health activist leading a major health program in Somerville, Mass., said:  “Racism is not any more a problem in Randolph.”  She went on to say that the new immigrants should organize themselves and get involved in the public life of the town and make efforts to preserve its identity and work to make it better.
    Haitian native Wilce Mascary of Pond St., a    graduate    of    Northeastern    University, believes that the program is good.  He heard about it from friends but he said racism is not a problem among the kids, it is the adults who are more reluctant to accept the changes that the town is going through as the result of the immigrant presence. Mascary said that from a glance anyone can see the growing Asian and Haitian population in Randolph but the town’s public administration does not reflect the residents of Randolph.  He doubts there are any Haitian Creole speaking officers on the Randolph Police Force.
    Our hats are off to Headmaster Linehan, DA Keating and the entire staff and faculty of the RJHS and to all of the participants of the “World of Difference” week in Randolph.  Keep up the good work until our brothers see the light.