San Francisco -- In light of the recent assault on a first-grader at Piedmont Avenue Elementary School in Oakland, CA, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is calling on the entire community to consider the issue of name-calling and bullying as a serious issue with serious consequences. The Anti-Defamation League offers anti-bias and anti-bullying programming to school communities around the country to address this growing problem in our schools.

"Left uninterrupted and unaddressed, name-calling and bullying at schools often escalates to violence. The tragic events at Piedmont Avenue Elementary School are a reminder that educators must be vigilant in protecting all of their students," said ADL Education Director Nina Simone Grotch.

The Anti-Defamation League is working with other community activists to offer educational resources and curriculum to teachers and administrators, parents and guardians, and the general community. The Anti-Defamation League and the A World Of Difference(R) Institute provide workshops to school communities to equip educators and students to stand up against name-calling and bullying and act as an ally to all students.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.