GRADE 8: RESPONDING TO HATE SPEECH  NAME 

Scenario A: Maya    
DATE 

Directions  
Read the scenario below and then think about the Reflect question. 
 
Maya is an eighth-grader at the local middle school. At a school dance, another student snaps a picture of her slow-dancing with one of  
the most popular boys at school. The student posts the picture on social media with the caption "slut." Other students see the post and then 
also comment on the picture. Some of them insult Maya and call her names. Maya eventually sees the post and is so hurt she doesn't want to 
return to school. 
 
Reflect​: Think about your experiences at your school and what your school is like. Could a scenario like this happen at your school? How 
likely would it be? Make sure to include your reasons when you share. 
 

During the Discussion Round ... 

REMEMBER THE NORMS  THINK CRITICALLY 

1. Speak your truth.  ● Consider other perspectives.​ ​How are your classmates thinking 
about this differently from you? How does that affect your opinions 
2. Respect others' viewpoints. 
and ideas? 
3. Don't interrupt.  ● Question your assumptions. ​Are any of your ideas based on 
4. Disagree respectfully.  stereotypes? Why do you think what you think? 
● Consider how those involved might feel or think. ​What would  
you think if you were the person posting the messages? What if you 
were the target? 

 
 

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GRADE 8: RESPONDING TO HATE SPEECH  NAME 

Scenario A: Maya    
DATE 

Exit Ticket 
1. If a scenario like this did happen at your school, how would you react? What actions would you take? Why? 
 

 
 
 
2. What challenges might there be to doing the actions you describe above? How could you address those challenges? Are there 
alternative actions you could take? 
 

 
 

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Shareable with attribution for noncommercial use. Remixing is permitted.  
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