TEAM Westport Teen Essay Contest Prompt: Hate Speech

TEAM Westport’s Teen Diversity Essay Contest is always timely.

This year’s topic is particularly so.

It’s about hate speech.

All students attending public or private high school — and those who live in Westport, and attend high school elsewhere — are invited to participate.

The prompt says:

The regulation of hate speech must balance limiting speech that may be considered offensive, threatening, or hurtful with the constitutional right of free expression.

In 1,000 words or less, with respect to speech that targets specific people or groups based on race, religion, ethnicity, and/or LGBTQIA+ identification, consider the guidelines one should set for themselves within Westport’s schools and in our community.

Explain how a diversity of opinions can be safely and respectfully shared. Are the rules different in a school community than on social media? 

The entry deadline is March 4. Click here for rules, and information on submissions.

Subject to the volume and caliber of entries received, at the discretion of the judges up to 3 cash prizes will be awarded. The first prize is $1,000, second prize is $750, and third prize is $500.

The Westport Library co-sponsors the event. A ceremony for the winners will be held there May 6.

“In our current environment, hate speech seems to rend the fabric of our society further on a daily basis.” says TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey Jr. “We look forward to this input from our young citizens to help us inextricably mend that fabric well into the future.”

First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker adds, “This community encourages constructive, respectful dialogue. As representatives of our talented and thoughtful population, the youth of Westport can be instrumental in sharing diverse ideas that ensure that everyone who lives, works, plays, and learns here feels welcomed and valued.”

The essay contest is in its 11th year. Prior challenges have tackled topics from white privilege and Black Lives Matter to micro-aggressions and dialogue. Essays have drawn widespread attention and engagement, in Westport and beyond.

“As a library, our goals are to foster inclusivity, understanding, awareness, and the free and open exchange of ideas so that we all can grow and thrive — as individuals and as a community,” notes Westport Library executive director Bill Harmer.

“The annual TEAM Westport Teen Diversity Essay contest uniquely illustrates that commitment, all while engaging young people throughout Westport to consider and work through the important and complex issues of the day.

“Combating hate speech should be a commitment for everyone, in Westport and beyond. I look forward to reading the essays put forth by our town’s talented and thoughtful teens. The Westport Library is once again proud to support the essay contest and honored to host the 2024 honorees.”