This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Andrew Sayer, a senior at Providence College, presented his provocatively titled speech, “Tolerance is a Dirty Word.” He noted, “Saying I tolerate you means that it’s okay you exist.” Laws that prohibit slavery, give women the right to vote and gays the right to marry “widen the definition of who is to be tolerated,” said Andrew.

Instead of focusing on “tolerating” differences, Andrew explained we must “shift from tolerance to acceptance,” which he suggested should start in the schools with an educational policy that stresses acceptance of all cultures, religions, sexual identity and race. “A global community will not come when all people are the same, but instead, when we fully accept and celebrate everyone’s meaningful differences.”

Andrew Sayer is originally from San Diego, California, but he is a now a senior at Providence College in Providence, Rhode Island, where he is a quadruple major in Political Science, American Studies, History, and Social Sciences. Wait, there’s more: He’s also double minor in Economics and Public Administration. Andrew’s TEDx Talk covers “tolerance vs. acceptance” and reframing the conversation in America through education policy. Andrew is a firm believer that our generation can change through education. When this ambitious TEDx speaker was asked what he wants to do after college, he very honestly and unhesitatingly replied, “Be the President of the United States of America.”

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)