Tolerance is a word that gets tossed around quite a bit in our diversity-conscious society. We have laws that encourage diversity in schools, work places and housing. But laws can not force tolerance and many high school guidance counselors are faced with increased intolerance due to bullying, racial and religious integration and a number of other factors beyond their control.

In a perfect world, tolerance is a way of life. In reality, we have to work at it. The Guidance Channel Ezine identifies three levels of tolerance. The ultimate level of tolerance is what high school guidance counselors across the country have been actively striving to achieve in the halls of their schools.

“Tolerance is being open and receptive to the beauty of differences. Through understanding, and with a genuine appreciation for the value of diversity, a person demonstrates tolerance in a practical way. A person has no need to endure or make a deal. As a result, relationships bloom and a civil society is the result.”

Director and editor of Teaching Tolerance magazine, Jim Carnes, makes teaching high school counselors and administrators how to advocate tolerance a way of life.

“On the basis of field observation and long-term contact with schools around the country, we advocate a proactive, comprehensive approach that defines the goals of the school community in positive terms,” said Carnes. “Our experience shows that reframing rules in the form of goals is a positive step that affirms the commitment of the faculty, administration and students.”

Successful schools make respect and tolerance goals for the school community. “Respect is the cornerstone of all our interactions and behaviors,” he said.

When students fail to show respect to fellow students and staff, there are consequences. The school collectively says, “We have agreed as a school that the way we are fulfilling our educational and social responsibility is by providing a place where everyone is welcome. We don’t have a right to put someone else in a position of feeling threatened or alienated,” Carnes said.

The National Youth Violence Prevention Campaign Week staff has a few practical applications that high school counselors and administrators can use today to get started on a road of respect and tolerance in their buildings.