More than 1,400 students from 65 schools sat in the grand ballroom of the Sheraton Boston Hotel on Thursday, eyes fixed forward in rapt attention.

They were listening to Khizr Khan, the keynote speaker at the New England Anti-Defamation League’s 23rd Annual Youth Congress. Khan shot into the public consciousness when he passionately called on then-candidate Donald Trump to read the Constitution, and held up his own pocket copy during his speech to the Democratic National Convention last summer.

“Always remember, we are born equal. We are all equal,’’ Khan said Thursday to the students.

As Khan spoke, league volunteers sent pocket copies of the Constitution down the rows of seated students.

As his speech drew to a close, Khan took out his own copy and held it up.

“Promise me,’’ he said. “Promise me you will always be custodians of the Constitution.’’

And, with booklets raised high, the students proclaimed, “Yes.’’

Since 1995, the Youth Congress has gathered together middle and high schools students from across New England to discuss how to combat the hate and discrimination many still face.

The attendees were practically a microcosm of the country. Students of all races wore everything from sharp suits to yoga pants. Polished buttons gleamed on the blazers of Catholic school students, and colorful headscarves dotted the crowd.

Muneeb, a 13-year-old student at Alhuda Academy in Worcester, said he was glad the Anti-Defamation League invited a Muslim to speak. A teacher asked that the student’s full name not be used.

After the speeches were finished, students were directed to participate in workshops meant to get them thinking about their identity, the identity of others, and how, despite being different, they all were American.

In one activity, students were asked to make a symbol of their identity out of pipe cleaners. One participant used green, red, white, and blue to symbolize his Irish heritage mixing with being American. Another sculpted a small person with the colors of the Jamaican flag.

Robert Trestan, director of the New England Anti-Defamation League, said the workshops are one of the most important parts of the congress.

“They’re run by students, and often this is the only time they’ll engage peer-to-peer on these issues,’’ he said. “These kids are the future leaders, and it’s our hope that they’ll go back to their schools stronger, which will lead to strong communities.’’

For others, like volunteer and Framingham kindergarten teacher Marilyn Machkowsky, the congress is a hopeful beacon for the future.

“I get strength here. I see these kids and the way they were [listening to Khan], and it’s just inspirational. These are 1,400 kids promising to defend the Constitution and end bullying and so much more,’’ Machkowsky said. “It spreads like a wave, it really does. They go back to their schools, share it with their peers, and it’ll just keep going from there.’’

The students moved from workshop to workshop, many still holding or flipping through their pocket Constitution. For Muneeb, getting the document made him hopeful.

The Constitution “gives us rights. Recently, people in authority have tried to take them away,’’ he said. “I’m glad that all these people are here saying they’ll stand up to defend them.’’

The message of acceptance and tolerance comes at an important time. Anti-Semitic incidents are becoming more commonplace, including at 33 of the 65 schools that had students present.

Near the end of his speech, Khan reminded the students that, in a few short years, they would have the power to bring the change they were advocating.

“All of our effort is on behalf of you, the future leaders,’’ Khan said. “Soon, you will be able to vote, to participate in government. Seize that chance. Never underestimate the impact you have. Never underestimate the power of your words.’’

Andrew Grant can be reached at andrew.grant@globe.com.