FROM THE DESK OF...

Throughout the fall, school leaders have been planning ways to address this presidential election, the impact of the national political discussion on our communities, and what the results portend for social dynamics, civil discourse, and student mental health on campus this year. Depending on where you live, political ads on television, radio, and other media sources are ubiquitous. While the maelstrom of emotions generated from the lead-up to the election is real, the consequences of the next president’s policy decisions are, at present, unknown and may remain so well into their tenure.

 

The presidential election is certainly the most prominent race to be decided this week; however, it is just one political event that impacts the daily lives of the faculty, staff, parents/guardians, and students in our schools. In fact, the person leading the city council, filling a seat on the local school board, directing public instruction, determining when or if the roads we commute on every day will be repaired, or allocating funds for municipal projects (parks, libraries, and housing) may have a more immediate and direct impact on our lives over the next year. Still, the bombast of the presidential election excites our emotions and occupies most of our attention. 

 

As educational leaders, our task is to recognize the historical consequences of the election, to center students and faculty on an appropriate locus of control that gives them a sense of agency and advocacy, and to promote an environment of open inquiry and civil discourse. No small task, as accepting the premise of a zero-sum game election in which there can only be a triumphant and bumptious winning side and one disconsolate, angry, or embittered losing side sends a confusing message to our children.

 

Instead, schools can provide an alternative that gives students a way to engage with their peers and the political process that reminds them of their power to work to change the course of events rather than to retreat despondently because of an outcome. We can empower them by reminding them to analyze data and information, to ask questions, to test assumptions, and, most importantly, to leave room for open inquiry and civil discourse. Most importantly, we can provide a predictable, structured, safe environment for students to pursue these topics. 

 

Similarly, we should practice with them what it means to sit with unease when confronted with a viewpoint or perspective with which they do not agree. This practice recognizes that individuals are not defined as narrowly as their political beliefs, that our community is stronger when we are asked to look at an idea or perspective differently, and that this exercise prepares students for college and life, where disagreements are inevitable and foster intellectual growth. 

 

Our students should expect the adults with whom they work to frame the truth about our democratic processes in a way that rejects despair, to show up for them this week and beyond to help them process the events and their emotions, and to offer hope and an urgent sense of agency. Certainly, there will be those who will be disappointed in the outcome–whatever it may be–and through disappointment our students will grow stronger, dedicated, and more resilient. 

 

Wishing your communities health, strength, and continued growth this year.

 

Resources: 

How to Manage Election Related Stress

Post Election Empowerment Plan

NAIS Election Webinar and Meetup Series