The essay contest is open to all sixth, seventh and eighth graders, including home-schooled students, who live in Roseville or attend a school in the Roseville Area School (RAS) District. Students write an essay on a specific topic.

This year’s topic is:

• Prejudice and stereotypes affect the way we perceive and interact with each other, even when we don’t realize it. How do stereotypes affect our society, and how do they damage human rights? Where in your life have you seen prejudice and/or stereotypes, and how has seeing/experiencing that affected you personally? What ACTION can you take regarding this experienced or witnessed discrimination? Reference the US Constitution, the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, or the Bill of Rights in your answer.

The Roseville Human Rights Commission sponsors the annual contest. Contest rules are distributed to all public and private schools within the RAS District. Contact your principal or teacher for information. Homeschooled students are encouraged to participate. Deadline to submit an essay is January 30, 2017.

Contest rules and additional information is available at www.cityofroseville.com/HRC. Last year’s winning essays are also posted there.

Contact Carolyn Curti at 651-792-7026 or carolyn.curti@cityofroseville.com if you have additional questions.