Last month, STAND partnered with Steamboat Springs Middle School to host “Just A Symbol?”, a community convening dedicated to helping students, parents, and local leaders better understand how hate symbols operate and how we can respond with clarity, unity, and education. This gathering was inspired by the five swastikas graffitied, drawn, and even burned into public spaces across our community in 2023. Two years later, many of you joined us to learn about the incredible progress our district has made to address and prevent discriminatory behavior…and the ongoing efforts still needed.

On Tuesday, November 18, from 5:00–6:30 p.m., the community is invited to attend “Just A Symbol?”, a powerful convening hosted by STAND at Steamboat Springs Middle School. In September 2023, our community witnessed five swastikas graffitied, drawn, and even burned into public spaces. Two years later, STAND and its partners have mobilized to learn from these incidents, engage in education, and support the work of disrupting discriminatory behavior.

I’m so pleased to share some wonderful feedback we had from our October 9, 2025 convening, “It Starts With Books,” which highlighted the efforts of some to ban books and information held in schools, libraries, archives, and bookstores. The right to read belongs to all of usand the Steamboat community came together to discuss how we can stand up to censorship.

May we experience the blessings of our lives and circumstances
and be vigilant, compassionate, and brave
May we be strengthened when we are afraid
and channel our anger
So that it motivates us to action…

You belong here. I belong here. We all belong here.

My heart is with our Jewish neighbors in Boulder...walking peacefully to raise awareness for the hostages still held in Gaza... and were met today with violence and fire.

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.

STAND is a proud recipient of the YVCF Community Grant Cycle for 24-25 as well as grants from Natan Foundation and Out and Proud Yampa Valley Fund.

AG Phil Weiser comments: “By investing in programs like STAND that build trust, encourage reporting, and foster collaboration we can make significant progress in combating these incidents and creating safer communities for everyone.”

STAND, the Steamboat Team to Disrupt Antisemitism and Discrimination, envisions a community that won’t STAND for hate. Recently, community members witnessed a threat to drag performers that resulted in the arrest of an individual allegedly intending to perpetrate a violent crime.

STAND recognized the Students for Social Justice Club at Steamboat Springs High School collaborated with the community to create a podcast highlighting efforts to combat discrimination in the Yampa Valley.

Intermountain Jewish News published this article (March 15, 2024) about Rabbi Kolby Morris-Dahany forming STAND to combat antisemitism and discrimination in Steamboat Springs.