L’Oréal USA is partnering with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) to take a stand against antisemitism and other forms of discrimination in the United States. The new education initiative aims to raise awareness and promote understanding about the Holocaust among thousands of students in American classrooms.

Along with the new initiative, Jean-Paul Agon, Group Chairman, L'Oreal, will receive the ADL’s Courage Against Hate Award--more about this is below. The ADL will present the award at its Never is Now on November 7th.

Stéphane Rinderknech, President & CEO of L’Oréal USA, says, “We hope to be able to help turn back the rising tide of discrimination by promoting understanding and empathy among a new generation of students. 

Jonathan A. Greenblatt, CEO and National Director, ADL, says, “With antisemitism rising around the world, it is essential to provide students with a strong foundation of knowledge about the history of the Holocaust, so that they can understand the consequences of hatred and prejudice."

A Goal To Reach 100k Students By 2024

The initiative will create direct-to-student digital classroom activities reaching more than 100,000 middle and high school students at approximately 1,750 schools across the country by the end of 2024. 

ADL's team has 15 years experience in working with students and partners with the non profit Echoes & Reflections, and its educational program. It offers students self-paced independent learning opportunities and digital interactions, including testimonials, personal narratives and access to primary sources. The goal is to create an engaging way to learn about the lessons of history that are relevant today.

Jean-Paul Agon To Receive the Courage Against Hate Award

In recognition of L’Oréal’s long-standing commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion within the company and to respecting human rights and confronting antisemitism in society, ADL will honor Jean-Paul Agon, Chairman of the L’Oréal Group, with its prestigious Courage Against Hate Award.

The award will be presented during ADL’s Never Is Now Summit on Antisemitism and Hate on November 7, where Mr. Agon will deliver a keynote address.

Agon said receiving the award is a great honor, and comments, “L’Oréal has been a proud supporter of ADL’s work for decades and we have been privileged to witness a courageous organization waging important campaigns against all forms of hate. I will accept this award on behalf of the more than 85,000 L’Oréal employees worldwide who bring our values of respect, courage, integrity and transparency to life every day, ensuring that we live up to the highest standards of corporate responsibility that we have set for ourselves.”

In receiving this award, Agon joins other leaders who have used their influence and commitment to fight prejudice and discrimination, including Apple CEO Tim Cook (2018), Chobani CEO and Founder Hamdi Ulukaya (2019) and Merck & Co. Executive Chairman Kenneth C. Frazier (2020).

Photos Above: Jean-Paul Agon (L) and quote via @echoesreflections on Instagram