Title, Author, Date: Bay Area High School Students Walk Out After Donald Trump Named President, written by Lisa Fernandez and Pete Suratos, November 9th 2016
Source: NBC Bay Area News
Key Points: 4 high schools in the bay area walked out of class in fear of the unknown with Trump being elected. Freedom of speech is the students rights and students off all races spoke out about their feelings. The superintendent wrote a letter reminding students, staff, and parents that, "During times of stress and turmoil where we must resolve to be out best selves. We must embrace the rules of our democracy and at the same time reflect upon what got us here. We all need to be caring, fully-informed critical thinkers." Allowing time for discussion and reflection in the classroom if you feel that students can handle it. They all need the time to reflect just as much as staff members due.
Relevance: This is relevant to all teachers right now because there are students in all classrooms that are scared, are crying, and feel unsafe. Teachers need to set there own political views aside and create a safe space for these students to come to each and everyday. Our first and foremost job is making sure that students feel safe at school and in the classroom and learning comes second during this time. They need time to process just like the teachers do and this may mean verbally to a teacher or writing it down. You as the teacher know your students best and know what you can do to support them. On the other hand we also need to remember that the students have the right of free speech but you also need to remind them of school or district rules around talking politics or religion in a school setting.
