‘Showcasing sound leadership’
PRISM group receives Human Rights Award
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NEW ULM -- The New Ulm High School PRISM (Pride Respect Individuality Support Movement) received the 2022 Human Rights Award from the New Ulm Human Rights Commission (HRC), Tuesday.
Each year, the HRC gives an award to individuals or groups that have worked towards social justice and the betterment of life for a protected class, or for a significant contribution to the preservation and advancement of human rights.
HRC Commission member Casey McMullen said PRISM was chosen because the student-led organization has provided a safe place for LGBTQ+ youths and their allies. PRISM participated in a conversation with the school administration to encourage a safe and supportive environment for all students.
The mission of PRISM is to establish a group that creates a safe and respectful space where LGBTQ+ students can support one another at NUHS.
Their vision is the group will continue to run even after the leaders have graduated and the group will be included in decision-making and can spread a positive message about quality and educate students on LGBTQ+ issues.
The club is currently led by four student leaders: Josie Ringhofer president; Zach Ramirez vice president; with Ivan Neisen and Keira Holberg as secretaries. Next year's leaders are shadowing the current leaders to ensure the continuity of the club.
The group is student-led, meaning the club was created by students who continue to shape its vision and goals.
Ringhofer spoke before formally accepting the award. Ringhofer said it has been an honor to organize and run PRISM.
She said the school original group began four years ago when she was a freshman, but the group vanished after a year due to lack of involvement and two years of COVID. The group reformed under the PRISM banner last year in the weeks following an alleged anti-gay incident during a New Ulm High School basketball game.
Gloege said PRISM met 13 times in the last year. Between 30 and 40 students attend PRISM meetings.
The club strives to be a source of education on LGBTQ+ topics. The bulletin board organized by PRISM highlights LGBTQ+ figures from history. Neisen said they try to highlight a variety of individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. Recently the group recognized Women's History Month. PRISM also worked on trans-visibility and bisexual visibility and asexual awareness.
Last week, PRISM held a fundraiser for the Trevor Project, selling doughnuts at the high school. The Trevor Project is an American nonprofit organization focused on suicide prevention efforts among LGBTQ+ youth. The Trevor Project offers a toll-free number where confidential assistance is provided by trained counselors. PRISM raised over $900.
Ringhofer said the fundraiser went over better than expected. They saw a great deal of support from the entire school.
Club leaders were pleased to have an open line to the school's administration. Last spring, PRISM recommended changes to the student handbook to be more inclusive.
"The group helped so many individuals, including myself, feel safe at our school and feel like we have somewhere to belong," Ringhofer said. "It is incredible to see the number of people who are involved and want to help out."
School counselor and PRISM advisor Caitlin Gloege said it was an honor to share this moment of recognition, but said her part was small compared to what the students had done.
"I'm so very proud of this club and its leaders for the courage they had to step forward and take on this mantle, representing the school and showcasing sound leadership," Gloege said. "They have provided a space within the school for students to gather, feel safe, seen, and can truly be themselves."