Taking a STAND: Bethel Park club embraces diversity

In 2014, some students at Bethel Park High School wanted to form a club in response to racial incidents.
From there sprung the seeds of STAND (Stand Together Against Negativity and Discrimination).
High school nurse Tracy Ford started the club and serves as its sponsor at the high school level. She recalled that a group of African American students wanted to create a club for Black students, but Ford thought it should be inclusive of everyone.
“If we just had a Black club or a white club, then nobody would learn from each other,” Ford said. “In order for us to get to know one another or learn from each other we needed to have one that’s mixed.”
That is what STAND has become and Ford said it has accomplished some “amazing” achievements, including a community outreach called Operation Feed a Neighbor for families in need around Thanksgiving and buying gifts for Adopt a Family at Christmas.
Meetings are held Thursdays after school, where students engage in discussions and celebrations of various topics, such as women’s history and various heritage months.
“It is a club where anybody from any walk of life can come together,” said sophomore Lillie-Kate Haner, club president. “It’s a place where everybody can be heard and voice their opinions. It offers a space where you can be yourself and you don’t have to be worried about being discriminated against or judged.”
Haner, 16, said she got involved in STAND as a freshman because a friend was involved and that resulted in a whole group of friends joining.
“It’s something to do after school,” Haner said. “It’s nice. It makes me happier.”
Sophomore Farah Namas, 15, club secretary, said joining STAND has changed her.
“It’s important to understand where other people are coming from and also to understand that a lot of people go through stuff,” she said. “I feel like this club helps them socially, mentally and emotionally. It makes them a better person. When I joined this club, it made me more outgoing and come out of my comfort zone. “
Ford’s initial vision to expand the club across the district is taking shape. A club was started at Independence Middle School not long after the high school program began, and Neil Armstrong Middle School now has a group.
“It’s nice to see my dream come to fruition,” she said.
Membership has fluctuated over the years. New members are always welcome. Anyone who is interested can show up at a meeting.
“I wanted a place where everybody felt welcome and feel like they belonged,” Ford said. “I wanted to try and change the atmosphere and the climate of the school and I think we’ve done that a little bit with some of the things we do and some of the students that come here.”