Religion is something that makes every individual who they are, something that people hold to their hearts! Lately in the Bay Area a massive increase in religious intolerance has become present in schools. Students are bullied to no end with little teacher or faculty involvement or school policies continue to single out religious minorities mostly because of their lack of education regarding various religions as well.

As a Jewish Teen I have had a relentless amount of anti-Semitism directed at me with no help from faculty whatsoever. Policies also target specific students yearly. For example, I am always yelled at by teachers on why I missed a class even if I had a religious holiday. 

Islamophobia is also on the rise from what I have noticed and these students are put into similar circumstances I am which is completely unfair. 

My goal is to create massive awareness and create a change to California's ineffective "Zero Tolerance" policy to ensure equality for all who practice various religions in our diverse society. Education and reform is needed so every student who wants to openly share who they are be allowed to do so in a tolerant environment and have help from others when others take that away. Peace is the answer, not bullying!