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Columbine High School massacre |
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Location: Perpetrators: Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold |
Rachel's Challenge is an organization in the United States that works to reduce violence. It is a non-religious, non-profit,[1] non-political organization, led by Darrell Scott and his wife Sandy.[2][3][4][5]
Rachel Scott was the first student to be killed in the Columbine High School shooting in 1999.[3] Darrell Scott, Rachel's father, established Rachel's Challenge to perpetuate his daughter's example and the two-page "Code of Ethics" she wrote a month before her death at the hands of the perpetrators of the Columbine High School shooting, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold.[6] This code of ethics had included the words: "Compassion is the greatest form of love humans have to offer",[7] and Darrell Scott has stated his belief in this message forms the basis for what he both speaks at public appearances, and has written as an author.
The Rachel’s Challenge presentations are given in schools and communities by members of her family and other speakers, using video footage of the Columbine High School massacre and its aftermath, combined with Rachel Scott’s drawings and writings, in a campaign to quell school violence, bullying, and teen suicide. As of 2009, Rachel's Challenge has developed a team of 30 speakers addressing young people in schools and colleges worldwide about Rachel's example.[6] The Rachel's Challenge program includes establishing Friends of Rachel clubs in schools, following the initial presentation, to sustain the campaign's goals on a long-term basis.[8] Schools around the country have incorporated Rachel's challenge into their own clubs bringing the message to their students.