Where do you stand? And should you?

The 2016 Presidential Election and the inauguration of Donald Trump has, no doubt, divided the country to an unprecedented extreme. It has uncovered shocking controversies and scandals, all of which have pitted opinionated individuals against each other, whether at home, work, or school. A trend of heated discussions and rumors fueled the infamy of this election, and it feels as if the feverish tension may not recede.

When students returned to school after Nov. 8, an eerily asphyxiating atmosphere and loud, uncanny silence flooded the halls. But, it wasn’t until the week approached its end that voices truly began to speak out about the election. Some mourned the result. Some celebrated. Some teachers refused to allow further discussion, and some encouraged it. And some behavior was elicited that is unacceptable in any setting. Riots ensued. A slew of hate crimes and bigoted attacks made headlines even locally. Here at South County the uncomfortable and overwhelming collective expression seemed almost parallel to the rest of the nation’s outcry, prompting an important question: Is it appropriate to allow partisan political discussion within school grounds?

“I think, for school, it’s a wonderful opportunity for students to discuss and debate the issues,” said former government teacher Kathleen Landrum. “And we also want to respect students’ opinions – and it is their right. Your rights certainly don’t end at the schoolhouse gate.”

Many other schools throughout Virginia and Maryland have tried to keep political conversation on the down low, but this threatens any opportunity to learn about political behavior and beliefs especially in high school government classes. A lack of conversation may help relieve some of the tension, but it certainly doesn’t allow any exposure to other perspectives and contrasting ideas which could help students become more informed and responsible.

“... I think we need to have an open dialogue,” Landrum continued. “If you just listen to FOX News or listen to MSNBC or just listen to one particular journalist, you’re going to be close-minded.”

South County administration informed faculty of a potential student walkout shortly after the election results in response to the cruel treatment of some foreign students and other minorities. Many teachers expressed concern about the silent protest in the works, and others condoned it. Again, students can still exercise their First Amendment rights, but should such a protest still be permissible?

“I think there’s a time and a place,” expressed Landrum. “I think, again, we want to try to maintain the integrity of the academic environment. I know a lot of schools across the nation have been doing this and administrations have been okay with that… [But here,] I don’t think they want to encourage anymore unrest.”

The subject is still under debate, but as the emotional tide has begun to subside after a blinding flurry of globally shocking events, hopefully the probability of more violent misdemeanors and student protests may dwindle with it. Donald Trump’s controversial presidency is, and shall continue to be, a hot topic. It is just important that all students are open to understand and empathize with all beliefs in regards to this dramatic period of American history.