Type Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 or Q5 to filter by question. Hover over the number tags to show the corresponding questions.
Q1No but we are an elementary school
Q1They hesitate to voice their opinions in respect for the opinions of others AND in fear of retribution.
Q1Students from families supporting Republican candidates, especially (but not limited to) Trump, have been much more vocal about their distrust of Muslims and President Obama.
Q1This election cycle has become more than a joke. My immigrant students, illegal and legal, are asking questions that tell me they are scared. The Republican rhetoric about walls and "keeping them out" is frightening. The lack of tolerance is appalling! The language is a return to isolationism and a promotion of racism that hasn't been seen since the 1920's!
Q1There has been an increase in bullying by way of accusing each other that they are Trump supporters to isolate them from the social groups.
Q1Discussion of the candidates comes up more this year than I remember in past election years. Our school emphasizes respect so students are concerned and discouraged when they don't see that same respect from those that want to be national leaders. I also think they feel helpless in how to deal with it.
Q1We haven't addressed it head on yet--some of the kids asked me who I voted for in the primary (I wore my "I Voted" sticker to group).
Q1Kids are asking frightened questions, rather than positive ones.
Q1Fear among Muslim and Latino students My fourth graders are having a difficult time understanding why Donald Trump is using such hateful and inflammatory rhetoric. One of my students who is Muslim is worried that he will have to wear a microchip identifying him as Muslim.
Q1While some of my students have been able to look at the campaign critically, some have said things about the campaign simply to be inflammatory. Others think the whole thing is a farce that won't affect them. One male student said, "Well, if Bernie isn't the candidate, then I want Trump to win. It'll be funny." At the same time, some students have raised concerns over how our country could be viewed or treated after the election, depending on the outcome, and others have said they are worried about themselves, their families, and/or their friends.
Q1Students are mostly curious about the way I will vote. Many of them are against Trump as he is directly insulting them.
Q1They seem to be more afraid of people who are different from them. They seem to be angry. It seems as if they are echoing the rhetoric of their parents' candidates.
Q1Yes. I have students who expressed that they are scared because they are Muslim and/or immigrants.
Q1Students agree with the fact that immigrants are gutting USA, some of them don't but most of them do.
Q1My students have heard that one candidate wants to kicks out all Mexicans. We do research, not web searches, and have discovered that the candidate is only concerned about those that are here illegally. This is reassuring and calms my students.
Q1I feel students definitely seem more involved in promoting the ideologies express by some candidates. Other students, especially minority, seem to be extremely concerned with what will happen to them if certain candidate wins the election. Never before had I witnessed such uncertainty by my students or peers.
Q1There has been no change here that I can see.
Q1I teach elementary students and a few have become very vocal in expressing intolerance.
Q1We all find it repulsive.
Q1I have noticed that many of our students, as young as 1st grade, are asking questions about what may happen to their family members that are here without the proper documentation. The vast majority of our students were born in the USA. Even with their USA citizenship intact, they continue to share some misconceptions of what will happen to them and their citizenship if Donald Trump is elected. These situations have led to various conversations to clarify these misconceptions.
Q1The presidential campaign will focus its rhetoric on issues of our nation after the major political parties choose their platform and candidates. This party behavior has been horrible to watch and listen to. However, I believe it presents a lesson for our students about how to not conduct ourselves.
Q1They are very scared by some of what they hear. The intolerant comments are affecting those students of color and they hear and see the lack of diversity in the candidates. They are making fun of candidates and calling them names- as they see them do on TV.
Q1No, not at all.
Q1They believe Trump...how.
Q1I'm taking a graduate course in rhetoric, so the term has multiple meanings for me. I can say that some my students seem to think Trump's incendiary speech will somehow improve our country.
Q1Doesn't because we don't talk about it.
Q1Many of my students are repeating the hate speech (directed at Trump) that is found in the media and social networks
Q1Latent prejudices are being voiced. Can be redirected into healthy discourse.
Q1We ran a mock primary in our school and the students really rose to the occasion. They took on the roles and put up the posters and made announcements and speeches and just generally worked hard to get everyone in school to get excited about the primary. They learned about caucuses and primaries through creating them in our school. Although I was sorry to see the level of support for Trump amongst some of our student body, mostly he was seen as an "entertainment" candidate, like a reality TV host, not as a true political candidate. He won the republican vote by 1 point over Cruz. Sanders won the democratic vote by a landslide over Clinton. I think the primary has energized our students to consider themselves as politically motivated, rather than apathetic.
Q1So many of my students have begun to show hatred towards refugees, low-income and poverty citizens, and there has been an increase in religious bias. Many are taking the anger and hate-filled speeches of the candidates to heart and are projecting the messages onto students they feel fit the stereotypes in the speeches.
Q1Not much talk
Q1My students are horrified at the spectacle of the Republican candidates shouting insults and insulting American citizens.
Q1My students are from primarily low-income families. However, because Donald Trump is known for his money, they want to talk about how it would be great to have a "rich" president.
Q1A lot of concern over what they "should do". Many excited to participate in the process, but unclear about how to feel about it.
Q1Many of our students on the cusp have fallen off a bit. They feel more emboldened to make derogatory comments, or to speak exclusively of some groups,
Q1I have seen more students, faculty, and staff feeling free to publicly denounce a candidate, specifically Donald Trump.
Q1There is an increased interest in the election this year.
Q1I think Trump's rude and brash behavior teaches my students that they can act like that.
Q1Absolutely, they are talking about little else
Q1It is very hard to explain to students why grownups are acting like children and saying hurtful things to each other and about groups of other people.
Q1Student who support Trump experience the most "ribbing"
Q1Yes, they are horrified at the anti-immigration positions of some of the candidates, and are shocked at the profanity, name-calling, and other non-presidential behavior.
Q1Students talk about it among each other.
Q1The Muslim students in my school have a wait and see attitude towards the presidential election. However, they are more inclined to discuss biased comments made to them by "white" students. (While the US census may classify Muslim Americans as "white," as a race, most do not agree and believe it applies to Christians not them.)
Q1In the past two days there has been a group of 8th grade boys coming to school with Trump-emblazoned t-shirts, red-white-and-blue plastic leis, and other "patriotic" decorations that are related to this Trump support. These are popular boys, and the group is growing. There are plenty of teachers who are saying to them how much they, too, like Trump. I am appalled. I demanded to know why these teachers were telling students that they liked Trump, but the only person who could name a reason said, "I don't think illegal immigrants should be in our country." I responded, "Oh, so you think a nationalist, exclusionary, hateful-rhetoric-spouting millionaire badboy is going to help our country?" She said, "You know what I mean about immigrants." I said, "No--I don't know what you mean."
Q1Yes, my school is primarily white, middle class and rural. They are hearing a lot of stuff from their parents and grandparents, but also from TV, radio, Internet, etc. I'm hoping that the Media Literacy unit will also cause them to question and not swallow everything they hear hook, line and sinker.
Q1Thank you for this very timely survey. I've been feeling like maybe I'm incapable of leading my students toward civil discussion. The divisive rhetoric has certainly split students, many who are young and impressionable. Discussing politics has become a huge challenge to maintain civility.
Q1My school is actually having more political conversations and the students are more engaged than usual. Hopelessness because they cannot vote and fear of what could happen is more of an issue.
Q1Most of my students are Latina or Muslim. They are hurt and upset by the comments made by Trump and Trump's supporters about groups they identify with.
Q1My Hispanic students seem dejected about not only Donald Trump's rhetoric, but also about the amount of people who seem to agree with him. They feel sure that Americans, their fellow students, and even their teachers hate them (regardless of their citizenship).
Q1My students, primarily Latin@ are very concerned that Trump and his supporters have a chance of gaining power. Also, many of my poor white students feel that they have a sounding board for making intolerant and racist statements.
Q1Yes, the students are concerned with the outcome of the election far earlier. There is an absolutist belief - I'm always right!! - being brought into the discussion.
Q1Faculty members who align themselves with one of the political parties espouse the rhetoric of their candidate to students or around the students.
Q1They seem angrier about voting.... chanting...
Q1One of the students from another classroom wore a Trump t-shirt to school on Super Tuesday. When challenged by a student, he became upset and responded in an inappropriate manner. This allowed for a conversation about everyone having a right to choose the candidate of their choice. It also allowed for the conversation about being respectful in the disagreements we have.
Q1Teachers are worried more than students.
Q1My kids wrote essays either supporting or not supporting political candidates for this election. I had an overwhelming number of students write in opposition to Donald Trump and cited his rhetoric as inflammatory and racist.
Q1Yes. Students asked me why politicians can yell at each other like that.
Q1I hear my students talk about things they have heard their parents say, but this is typical for an election year. I encourage my students to ask questions, and to do their own research. I encourage them to look for the truth in what people have said, and to be careful when people are quoting things out of context. These are important lessons for their daily lives with their relationships with peers, as well as in the realm of the political climate.
Q1My students who are vocal are vehemently against Donald Trump. As a teacher, I need to remain neutral, and I think the current political climate makes it hard to do so. I don't want to alienate any students/families who may support Trump.
Q1Increased worry that their parents will be deported.
Q1They're scared as to what might happen to them next year, some of my students have told me that they've experienced hateful people outside of school (in the community and at their jobs).
Q1Kids tend to blame others more than accept responsibility. I believe this is a direct reflection of what is happening in the United States.
Q1Students at my school say hurtful things sometimes about minority groups (African Americans, people of alternative sexual orientations, Muslims, etc.). Before the campaign, when they said hurtful or disrespectful things and I called them out on it, they would stop and nothing else would be said during that class period. Today, when such things are said, they question me why I think it is not appropriate to say when their parents and the future president of this country is saying it (their opinion not mine). I don't know what to say to these comments other than that in my classroom such things are not going to be tolerated and if they continue they are going to be sent to the office.
Q1Yes, inflammatory rhetoric and polarized positions have transferred into the school and classroom. Students are more apt to get into shouting matches than to have a discussion about something.
Q1The explosive headlines and conversations have caught their attention and most weeks, they want to talk about a cartoon/headline/video they saw.
Q1I use the rhetoric to help improve my students’ critical thinking skills. I remind them that historically, name-calling and backbiting are nothing you in American politics. In addition, it is natural for politicians to look for wedge issues to garner support. My students are first critical thinkers and problem solvers. So, much of the stuff they say and hear is mostly entertainment.
Q1Definitely. A lot of our students from historically marginalized identities (e.g., Muslim, people of color, and LGBTQ+-identified folks) are truly scared for their lives if Trump were elected.
Q1Some students like the idea of "free speech" so we have talked about what that means.
Q1They are more engaged and willing to discuss the current rhetoric.
Q1Our students who are recent immigrants or who have parents who are immigrants are upset and bringing up topics of worry and concern for their families ----daily I hear comments. Non-immigrant families are hearing concerns but have no information about how to support.
Q1I teach in an "immigrant" high school. My students are scared!
Q1Because my school is heavily Hispanic, the rhetoric is precisely the opposite that these questions reflect. Bias is directed toward students who express anything other than sincere hatred for Donald Trump.
Q1They make "big hands" jokes. They make jokes out of DT's name-calling. They've seen the nearly naked pictures of DT's wife.
Q1Teachers are avoiding the subject, some students have made comments about politics being all about money or that all politicians are corrupt.
Q1I have heard student repeat their parents' beliefs and their parents' become their beliefs.
Q1Haven't seen this
Q1See above. I have mostly seen it with the older kids, not with the 3rd thru 6th graders whom I also teach, but in a non-social studies curriculum.
Q1Students seem more energized from Donald Trump's personality.
Q1The call for return to slavery (indentured servitude) by some has been astounding but has not seemed to shock my students. Heightened distinction between ethnic groups with stereotyping and discrimination.
Q1One student asked if this was how Germany elected Adolf Hitler.
Q1I have heard from my students that they are either very clear about their political leaning or choose not to talk about politics at all. Many students are excited but know very little about the process. Some of my students have been turned off my what they have seen from our political leaders and have already checked out of the process.
Q1We have held civil discussions that allowed my students to voice their concerns about some of the issues they heard outside of class or in their home. We have a diverse population in California and my school and classroom have many Mexican-Americans and as expected the subject of building a "Big Wall" to keep out immigrants from Mexico is a common topic. We will return to election topics for the rest of this school year and again next year until November.
Q1Yes, they are more intense and vocal about "why in the world would you be a Republican with all the fighting going on?"
Q1I have many immigrant students who are constantly in fear of their parents being deported.
Q1I find that I can't give it as much attention as I would like. Some of the discussion has been inappropriate for any age. I teach middle school.
Q1The Hispanic students are fearful.
Q1In my community, ironically, the most noticeable change in rhetoric has been treating Trump as a foolish figure and dismissing his platform as obviously hateful and thus unlikely to be successful. So I am seeing levels of disrespect toward his candidacy that I have never seen in any previous election with any candidate.
Q1Absolutely! A lot of kids are fired up about the election! We have many anti-Trump students at my school who have been watching the news a lot and following the things that Trump has been speaking about.
Q1Many students are genuinely worried and afraid. A fifth-grade teacher whose class watches CNN Student News each morning told me that one of my ESL students said, "That man scares me!" when Trump's face flashed across the screen. He wasn't kidding. His eyes were huge and real fear flashed across his face. Many, many students have told me some version of, "Donald Trump hates us," or "Donald Trump hates all Mexicans." I have spoken with parents whose children have heard racial slurs and taunting. Unfortunately, staff has not always dealt appropriately with these incidents of bullying.
Q1Not really as I have addressed the elections almost on a daily basis in order to educate my students on the campaigns and current events.
Q1My students have expressed anger at a few of the candidates in regards to the candidates' inflammatory rhetoric. I have not seen that anger transferred or directed to fellow students.
Q1Increasing numbers of my students are referring to the presidential candidates as dangerously acting like children overcome by unrealistic fears.
Q1Students in my racially diverse and immigrant diverse school are generally fearful of what may happen to them or their families if Trump is elected. They voice it, they write it, they talk about it when they are having a stressful day, they add it to their papers (like writing the word TRUMP in a circle and making a slash through it).
Q1I have heard some kids say things that are exaggerations of what they hear, and/or repeating political rhetoric.
Q1None
Q1One of the things that worry me is that this is the first presidential campaign my high school students are old enough to understand. It doesn't usually work quite like this, and I hope they don't walk away thinking this is what politics is all about.
Q1Yes, I hear students parroting what they hear.
Q1Teaching the government class to the senior classes has been quite engaging. In our discussions I can hear fear in their voices. They hate the hate being expressed towards various groups. We are quite a diverse school so they are aware how certain rallies are not diverse and how they become violent when opposing view are expressed. They are apprehensive of what the outcome maybe.
Q1Yes. I inform them that my classroom is for me to teach and students to learn.
Q1Yes. Some students are angry and challenge any discussions about inclusiveness, civil rights or tolerance as being attached to an agenda that forces political correctness. These students employ language that matches the rhetoric from the presidential campaigns. Anti-intellectualism is a viewpoint that some students are demanding to be an option within a course's syllabus. In these cases, some students are very insistent and persistent about alternative lessons so that they do not need to read about, discuss, learn or hear about topics related to tolerance. This aggression resists course objectives and goals as outlined in the course syllabus.
Q1Yes, they cannot believe a presidential candidate can say things & act in the way that Trump is. I have had students tell me that they don't want to even both to vote. (Poor kids! I hope I scared them into voting!) I've had to give impromptu lessons on how apathy is actually a vote for intolerance and ignorance. Students that blame Obama, or others for actions they have no control over. The rhetoric is teaching students that there is a very simple cause = effect or outcome, without addressing the complicated nuances and domino effects of various actions.
Q1Students who support Trump are getting extremely involved with students who are against Trump. The conversations quickly digress into a fire that is rarely seen with basic politics. On the other hand - students who support Trump for one reason or another are in turn also ostracized from the mainstream as we are a fairly liberal school. It is causing social divide amongst students who were once (if not friends) at least cordial to each other.
Q1The students seem to be very polarized, but very interested. When we talk about it in class, they are repeating something they had heard on television or read on the Internet. I always caution them to not trust everything they see or read. Time permitting, I will take the concern they have and attempt to temper it with the alternate perspectives and give them context.
Q1My students are concerned about their and their peers' immigration status, rights and ethnicity.
Q1My kids either vilify Trump or would vote for him. Interesting that I am just now using Teaching Tolerance materials for a unit on the use of political and editorial cartoons to teach social justice. Trump cartoons are, of course, everywhere, I think this sham of an election process is bringing out the worst in everyone.
Q1The issue of behavior modeling is a problem. Students are asked to be respectful, but are noticing the lack of respect that exists in the "adult world" as a result of the campaign and simply think rules of respect are not necessary beyond school.
Q1Definitely! Students make jokes about the election, inflammatory remarks.
Q1There was an anti-hate event a few weeks ago. We hesitated on endorsing the event given the use of an image of one of the presidential candidates.
Q1I teach at a very liberal school in a liberal community. I have seen students become extreme apathetic to politic and the government because of what they view as "anti-social justice" that other Americans seem to be supporting. Others are scared at how their rights may be under attack.
Q1I see many students express anger over the language coming from the Republican Party. I also see many students responding favorably to Bernie Sanders' message.
Q1I have never heard them talk more about politics than this year and it's usually regarding the idiotic comments Trump has made.
Q1Students lack trust and admiration for both indictable Hillary and Dictator Trump.
Q1Yes, for the first time in my 20 years of teaching I have a group of students who have formed a "Politics Club." They meet in my room once a week at lunch.
Q1Mostly, my students are horrified that Trump may be president. There are jokes about moving to Canada.
Q1Yes. I teach English Language Learners in grades K-5. My 3rd graders love talking about the news and politics. Sometime they are so funny or horrible that I have to write down what they say: One of my 3rd graders is from [an African country] and she is Muslim. She said, "My father said if Donald Trump becomes president, he is going to leave America." A boy in the class responded "Yeah, he do not like Mexican guys." Then she added, "I think that a lot of people don't want him to be president, because I saw on TV, on CNN, that people were throwing burgers and paper and stuff at him. But he said 'I don't care if people like me, I just care if I'm the president.'" Another day she said, "I don't like when kids call me terrorist." (Though she said this happened outside of school.) One of my students gestured at the other brown students in the room and said, "If Donald Trump become President, you're OUTTA HERE! And you're outta here and you're outta here and you and you! And me. Because I'm Mexican." Another day, the 3rd grader from [the African country] asked me if I've heard about a guy named Hairly [sic] Clinton who wants to be president. She said she watched a movie about him. People used tell him, "Your mom's so dumb she can't even read," but he started to read everything, even the signs in the bathroom and on the bus because his mom told him if he reads a lot he can be anything he wants, even a doctor. And he just read all the time and he became a really great doctor and there were some twins "and their heads were stucked together and he cut them apart and they survived." Eventually I figured out that she was talking about Ben Carson and she said that he was her favorite and she wanted him to be President. But a few days later she came back and said, "I don't want Ben Carson to be President anymore. He doesn't like Muslim people."
Q1My school is a largely Hispanic and students are worried what might happen if Trump wins. They still are having a hard time understanding what each candidate stands for in easier to understand terms. They still aren't grasping what a democrat and republican believe in.
Q1Yes. Students struggle more to see any middle ground or think critically about the issues rather they characterize each other based on the media/social depictions of each candidate.
Q1My immigrant students are concerned about what will happen to them if Trump is elected, as they are undocumented.
Q1Some students are enjoying the tendency of Trump to "speak his mind" and admire him for it. When I have pointed out the dangerous, obnoxious behavior towards other than white males, they think it is funny.
Q1I teach in an elementary school (Grades 1-4). I had an African American student state that Donald Trump wants to bring Slavery back. Additionally, I have a large ELL population and the kids are stressed and concerned for their parents who are not documented citizens.
Q1It is has been very polarizing at my school as we have some conservative and very wealthy families along with some poorer very liberal families.
Q1My students have certainly talked more about this election than any other in recent memory. They seem to be following the news a lot more closely too. Many are fearful of Donald Trump winning, but many are also not fans of Clinton either though. They are definitely asking a lot more questions about the election process in general.
Q1It really has not.
Q1I have heard students object to the kind of rhetoric and language that is being used in the presidential campaign.
Q1The word "trump" is enough to derail a class. 50% Hispanic, many students fear being kicked out of the country
Q1My student population is very diverse (just outside Boston, urban, high rate of poverty)--no one has identified him or herself as a Trump supporter to me. If anything, my students quite openly make fun of him. My Muslim and Mexican students have used some gallows humor about "enjoying their last days in the US" before "President Trump" ends up in the White House and they get deported. (I assure them this won't happen and they say, "I know.") After all this is MA, and I think my students take it for granted that everyone here is a liberal democrat. I think they don't believe Trump has a real chance. But I don't doubt that their jokes mask some fear. And after the attacks in Belgium yesterday, I couldn't help but think about how my Muslim students must feel--between that and the increasingly frightening rhetoric coming from Cruz now, as well as Trump.
Q1Without revealing who I support, I have not shied away from revealing my criticism of Trump--I don't go on and on, but I think my students know I don't find him very, um, presidential. I strive to keep the conversation elevated though! Mostly, I ask tough questions. I ask what my students think of his speeches and push them to examine his rhetoric closely. I risk offending the teacher across the hall, because I know she supports him, but I guess I don't fear offending my students because I know how most of them feel. And whenever I get the chance, I remind them how unusual this election is and how the behavior they are witnessing is certainly not the way thoughtful, professional people conduct themselves--especially when they want to be president of the US! But bottom line, it's tough. There is ugliness in our world right now, and other than ask hard questions and model civility, I don't always know how to "go there" with kids.
Q1They are more amused than concerned. "In the land of idiots, a moron is king"
Q1I am hearing more talk about the elections than I think I am used to hearing however, I am not sure if that is my own concerns about the elections surfacing!
Q1I have a few avid Trump fans, especially young men, who appear to be becoming more and more verbally abusive to others who disagree with them.
Q1Yes
Q1There is a greater free-for all and more interest in politics among students. There is more fear about teaching it responsibly among teachers.
Q1So much of it is angry and mean-spirited. They seem bothered by this because this type of behavior is certainly not tolerated from them. But to see people who want to be president act this way leaves them with a lack of respect for the candidates.
Q1No, except on two occasions when kids expressed "My dad says..." or "My mom says..." about a presidential candidate. My reaction is to always thank kids for sharing their parent’s opinion followed by a lengthier discussion about personal opinions and how we all have to listen carefully to all candidates and ideas then make up our own minds.
Q1I guess I already answered that - students are anxious, and perhaps tending more to stay within their ethnic/religious groups. They are also motivated to try to affect events.
Q1We talk about the elections openly. My kids are opinionated and most feel like their families should move if Trump is elected. Lots of chatter about Canada!!
Q1My students are apprehensive about the election results. Most of them have family members or are themselves undocumented. They fear that they will be deported or kicked out of school if a Republican candidate wins the presidency.
Q1Many of my students are afraid that someone with so much hate in their heart may actually become one of our leaders.
Q1We encountered a primary source quotation from a letter written around early 1776, referring to the Loyalists: "What baseness are our enemies not capable of, who would wish to be connected with a people so destitute of every virtue, God forbid it should ever be the fate of America." A student responded, "Donald Trump."
Q1Our district is more liberal [San Francisco area] but they hear hate, on the radio and on TV from some candidates.
Q1We have a largely Hispanic population that is insulted by comments made by some candidates. So far, the Republican supporters have stayed quiet, but I don't think that will last long.
Q1No
Q1Admittedly polarizing, the campaign has encouraged me to help my students find ways to make their voices heard. The Presidency is not our only branch of government. Our representatives in the Senate and House, as well as local leaders, need to hear our voices.
Q1Encouraging students to communicate with those governing us is crucial. Being art students also gives my students a visual way to express their concerns and make themselves understood. In addition, our administration takes student opinions seriously, bringing people to the table to discuss issues and find ways for solving problems. I have questioned my Muslim students to determine if they are experiencing discriminatory behavior. They have not indicated a problem. Nor have I heard or witnessed any incidents.
Q1I have heard an increase in civil rights talk at my school. My 11th graders (many whose families immigrated to the US from China or Tibet as refugees) are very aware of anti-immigrant sentiment in the country, but in our small, rural town, these students are feeling empowered to express their concerns over this. I have heard an increase in the talk about equality and civil liberties. We have using writing as a way to express our concerns about the election and the candidates, often deconstructing the rhetoric and the logic (or fallacious logic) to pinpoint the speaker's claim and purpose.
Q1Not overtly
Q1Our children are concerned regarding our future education that will benefit themselves and their siblings in this next generation. The academic with excellence standard need to be improved with S.T.E.M. programs for students and Special Needs children as well.
Q1The rhetoric has affected them because they are parroting false information. This is a great opportunity for them to research the facts versus what they’re hearing from friends and family.
Q1Black elementary student, "my cousin in middle school told me that if Trump is elected he is going to shoot all of the black people"
Q1Latino elementary student, "Trump is going to send everyone back to their countries, I am going to have to leave, I don't want to leave"
Q1As a counselor, the major difference I have observed is the persistent "chatter" about Donald Trump. Many students comment on how horrible he is, yet can't wait to see what he is going to do or say next. There is no change at school. My students have a great deal of disdain for Mr. Trump.
Q1They are lulled into a false sense of security believing that his antics reflect a "reality TV" character versus the potential leader of the free world. I'm not sure they understand the gravity of the situation.
Q1I have overheard students talking about how they want to attend political rallies and jump Bernie Sanders' supporters.
Q1I wore a presidential candidate's badge at a gathering of high school English teachers and nobody said a word; it was very awkward. Usually teachers are gabbing about everything and politics, especially when we are teachers of "critical reading" skills.
Q1Kids, Latino kids in particular, are very nervous about immigration. I hear greater concern from Muslim families who fear that their kids might be treated differently by other kids, but this has not happened.... yet.
Q1Students do not understand why this has become such an angry and dishonorable campaign. They are taught better behavior by their teachers, and then they see this mess on TV and are confused. Some have acted out.
Q1I had a Caucasian child tell me this school year that his mother told him not to say 'Obama'. I used the opportunity to discuss facts about the president and make him more personable to the children.
Q1When it is discussed with teachers and without students, the general tone is one of concern and bewilderment, of worry and disbelief. One time students mentioned Trump in a classroom and the teacher's response was that it was not an appropriate topic and that it wasn't to be discussed in class.
Q1Basically, my students think Trump is a joke, all but a small minority. When he come up in class, 90% of students roll their eyes and criticize him while the remaining students become defensive. It makes the classroom an unsafe environment for discussion and learning.
Q1They are worried about their families, maybe war. Some are worried their family could be deported. Some think immigrants are taking their jobs.
Q1They are worried about their families and their own futures in this country.
Q1It has made many of them very nervous for their families and angry at the hateful language and behavior.
Q1They're uniformly disgusted.
Q1Teachers are engaging students more in class discussions and debates on the upcoming election.
Q1My students are very diverse - many are Muslim and others Hindu. They are very quiet during political discussion and are afraid of offending each other. They are also very young - 8th grade - so its a bit early for them to be doing much more than repeating their parents' opinions. So far the climate and respect in our school does not seem to be affected by the campaign.
Q1We are in Arkansas... Parroting parents is common and, they are at the crux of thinking for themselves. PoliSci may be the first time in their lives they have to justify what they say they believe.
Q1Yes, but in a positive way. My students are involved and interested and doing the research.
Q1It impacts me - because of what I said above, and it impacts students who are more centered on a conservative faith. They should not be generalized or demonized... we as a society are becoming much more comfortable doing this...
Q1No
Q1One of my Muslim students ran into a supporter of a particularly outrageous candidate; he was told that his "kind" was neither needed nor welcomed in this country. My student gave up--temporarily--until we talked about how his "kind" is particularly needed in this country today and how many of us value his voice and how we--as a nation--need his perspective. The student shared this with me privately, but shared our conversation with others; it's been a fairly regular topic of conversation since. Another teacher told me about a student who was no longer going to wear his traditional garb for fear of standing out. An immigrant herself, she dissuaded him. Still, the need for the conversation to happen at all is tragic.
Q1One of my students expressed concern about being deported even though he and his family are citizens. Other students have vocally expressed strong negative opinions of Trump
Q1I have noticed much more interest in this year's election, the debates, and the news surrounding the candidates than in previous years. I've also noticed a lot more positive sentiment toward immigration and people in general.
Q1Many of my students feel as though the comments made, mostly by the Republican Party candidates, are personal attacks on them. Comments have been made by my students similar to...people and families are going to be torn apart and sent back to their country...black students have made comments that trump will force them all to become slaves again.
Q1The students are getting facts out of context and incorrect. If I, the teacher try to explain or show the students the actually statement they argue about it.
Q1I teach at the college level, and many of my students are very conflicted about which candidate they will vote for. The area I teach in is heavily Hispanic, many of whom are immigrants, so the immigrant issues will really affect my students.
Q1Many of our high school students have taken an active role in the campaign by attending rallies, voting in the primary, going to the State capitol to talk to legislators, and talking to each other about candidates and their platforms. Many of them have changed their stance as the campaigns go on. They are not happy with what they are seeing and hearing. Many feel that none of the candidates will lead well.
Q1It has made everyone more worried and even more ashamed of our country.
Q1Most of my students are from low-income Hispanic families. They are worried about the future of their loved ones because of the hateful anti immigrant rhetoric surrounding the 2016 election. I truly feel this fear is impacting their emotional well-being.
Q1Our campus has had active anti-racism initiative for over 10 years, and recent activism by multicultural student groups, including a rally against a planned anti-Muslim event in the city. However, the high schools are struggling more with anti-Somali sentiments and the town has had vandalism against Islamic Center. The rhetoric appears primarily in the local newspaper "comments" or chats in reference to any article published about people of color or GLBT issues, and especially anti-Somali opinions.
Q1I have been asked by my first graders if it's true what Trump has been saying. Usually, what my first graders are repeating is exactly what Trump has said. I see them scared of Trump wanting to "kill China," which I have then explained enough to alleviate fears. They are confused by why Trump would say bad things about women and Muslims. But we have studied the civil rights movement a lot, and we talk often about things in terms of being fair or unfair. My students have been fearful and confused, and I help them sort out what is real and why not to fear it, but look on it as something unfair that needs to be changed. It's convincing them that voting is important! I have one student (among 24 first graders) that supports Trump, and he gets frustrated that no one agrees with him. It's a good lesson of treating someone else with respect, and allowing each person to have his or her own opinion, even if you do not agree with that person.
Q1Yes. However, I have not seen an effect in my school.
Q1Because I teach in a school that is 90% plus Latino, many of whom are undocumented, the rhetoric from the Republican side of the debate has created an even greater sense of unease.
Q1Bias, anger towards immigrants and a huge divide between the Trump and Clinton. Hurtful words and mean comments are being shared daily. It is awkward and disheartening.
Q1Fortunately, my students come from a strata of the population where Mr. Trump and Ms. Clinton are viewed critically
Q1Being in the Caribbean where students from all over the world, particularly Hispanic, Latin and African-American or Afro-Caribbean attend, the overwhelming sentiment is that Donald Trump is extremely prejudiced and a bigot, and should never be President.
Q1The rhetoric gives me an opportunity to teach future voters how to sift through rhetoric and get to the heart of global and domestic issues
Q1Students K-12 showing genuine sincere concern of Donald Trump's anti-groups comments and the negative energy he exhibits in favor of aggression. Elementary and middle school students often mention the parallels of bullying. Some students showing physical anxiety and fear of there being a Trump presidency. Younger students K-5 openly crying. Students K-12 more interest shown towards importance of global empathy and compassion of mixed groups.
Q1I have had Muslim students called terrorists. I have students who are scared about what may happen to them or their family members if Donald Trump because president. They fear they or family members will be deported...even though they are citizens.
Q1I haven't really seen any effect. Teachers sometimes have conversations at lunch about things having to do with the election, but it's always friendly.
Q1I really do not see too much affect on my students. The only comments I hear, "I hate Trump, he is going to send us all back."
Q1I am in a segregated African American (99%) school in Chicago. I have heard several student conversations about how that one dude running for president wants to send all blacks back to Africa. They are seriously concerned and confused.
Q1I work in a school located in MA. My school was designated as a primary voting center on Super Tuesday. Our students from k through 8 witnessed firsthand how the electoral system works. On that day I had many of my middle school students come up to me to ask if I was going to vote. After finding out I was planning to vote in the primary, they eagerly followed up by telling me not to vote for Donald Trump. This occurrence happened to me four more times in the span of ten minutes before first period started. Following the directions to not vote for Trump I asked why? Each student would go on to tell me they do not want to lose their family. They told me they do not want their family to be deported. Many of my students are first generation Americans. Their parents' are either in [MA city] on visas or here illegally because [city] is a “sanctuary city.” They hear on a daily basis that Donald Trump is a racist and he wants their families out of America. Along with that, they hear about deportation raids happening and fear a future Trump presidency where that is a daily occurrence. Knowing this, I assure the inquisitive students, I will not be voting for Trump because I do not agree with his politics. I further assured them that while Trump may win Massachusetts today that does not mean he will become president. Many just said “ok” followed by “Feel the Bern!” This election has my students scared of what their lives may come to if Trump wins the election and that is truly a sad reality I wish they did not need to have.
Q1Students worry about their moms or sisters grocery shopping while wearing hijab. Stress among our undocumented students who defy the stereotype and are not all Mexican.
Q1I teach young children and the main concern I have is how stressed out they seem to be over being "sent back to their country" if Donald Trump is elected president. It is hard to know what to say, as I want to remain unbiased, but also want to make sure they feel safe and happy at school even with such a huge fear looming over them. One student expressed to me that his older brother believes that all teachers will vote for Donald Trump. I explained to that child that is not true and that I would not be voting for Donald Trump. However, I'm concerned that many children who do not have biases as yet may start to have them out of fear (much like adults build their biases based on fear).
Q1Students have picked up on the disrespectful commentary and tone, some copying the mode until corrected.
Q1I teach 4th grade and there is rhetoric shared that has been projected onto the students from the adults. There is a sense from parents as to whether teachers can do a good job of neutrally teaching about the election process because beliefs and feelings are heightened.
Q1I have used the candidates as examples of ways to NOT to talk to and about others. I told my 2nd graders that even adults can be bullies and mean.
Q1Hate seems to have increased.
Q1Somewhat. Students are listening to extreme opinions and are expressing fears of "being sent back to Africa" or "deported across the Rio Grande"
Q1Well, I teach rhetoric-actual, literal, rhetoric. I have mostly experienced students answering "yes" (incorrectly) when I ask if they know what rhetoric is. What I am doing here is using rhetoric...the question I am answering used rhetorical strategies to most effectively communicate to a specific purpose. What too many politicians are using are fallacies...which is to say, ineffective rhetoric...
Q1The students have become more negative in their little verbal jabs at each other. If adults running for office can say things, why is it not ok for me?
Q1They are more aware of the election because of all the negative press.
Q1Students seem to think it is funny - I am not sure they can take these adults seriously and separate the campaign from reality TV. It is almost as if the campaign is not real to them.
Q1Very vocal of dislike for Trump.
Q1The threats and violence against Muslim students on our campus has increased. The female Muslim students are targets around campus for bullying, and they say it's while males who are the perpetrators.
Q1Students have paid more attention because of the negativity that has surrounded this election.
Q1Only a little- a student who has a white mother and black father said to me that I couldn't wait for Trump to be president, so I could have my way.... he was being kicked out of the classroom, and I am the principal, just happening to be at the door while it happened. I make a point to never share my political leanings, and try to provide as much information about all candidates as I can.
Q1Some have definite opinions. A few were briefly insensitive or harsh, but the lesson helped everyone see how one can best approach voting, and awareness of the rights we all have to participate in the process.
Q1My students are mimicking their parents and they are in second grade. I have actually heard them get upset at others when they spoke about certain candidates. They are only eight!
Q1At university level, grad school
Q1I haven't seen students affected, though l have seen teachers upset by the debates.
Q1They are paying attention, but I don't see their behavior changing.
Q1A student has been called terrorist and Isis. Another was told he would be deported if Trump wins.
Q1I teach in a school with many immigrant students and there is definitely a higher level of anxiety among these students, coupled with an increase in racial insensitivity, racially charged comments and anti-immigrant sentiments.
Q1It has helped bring awareness to the need of defining what it means to be a country and have a culture (i.e. what does it mean to be American). It has helped bring awareness and discussion of civil duty to protect our country (i.e. from terrorism). It has awakened the students’ understanding of the role media plays in creating bias.
Q1Students are becoming increasingly hostile toward other students of color and religion.
Q1Yes
Q1In [IL city] where I teach, many of students are immigrants or the children of immigrants. They have told me about mothers who are crying, and worrying that they will be punished for being Muslim, or punished in some way for being immigrants.
Q1It has really been a shocking reaction to the negativism and students continually don't understand why the politicians are so cut throat.
Q1More than ever they are misquoting information.
Q1Many students know Trump's most notorious threats like banning Muslims or building a wall. Other students parrot the way some of the media blames Clinton for Benghazi.
Q1My students often refer to Trump with fear. They are afraid of what will happen to them (many immigrants) if he becomes president.
Q1Lots of talk about Trump and getting rid of Mexicans & Muslims. My school has about a 44% Mexican student population.
Q1My students are asking MORE questions, not fewer. They hear rhetoric (mostly from Donald Trump) and, in my experience, want confirmation that what they think (which typically is that his views are outside the norm and are hurtful) is normal. I took an informal poll in my classes asking three questions: a) How many students feel differently from their parents in terms of which candidate to support? b) How many students feel that their parents disagree with each other on which candidate to support? and c) Is this okay/normal/expected? I try to emphasize that discourse, disagreement, and understanding of points of view that don't match your own is the only way to truly find out what you think and feel personally (rather than focusing on the divisive rhetoric and/or sensationalist presentation of the candidates and their positions).
Q1The hateful speech of Trump has frightened my 8th graders
Q1I teach at a small, progressive private school in Virginia. Our middle school students actively research and discuss election politics. I have been impressed with the civility and respect with which are students share their own opinions and ideas.
Q1It's so objectionable that it's not school appropriate for 11 and 12 year old students.
Q1Students are outraged by the racism or cannot understand how people can be so ignorant.
Q1Many of my students of color talk about the changes their families will face if Trump is elected. They talk about it likes it's a joke in front of their peers but, in small group discussions many are afraid.
Q1Many of my students are angry about the rhetoric that they hear from presidential candidates.
Q1My students are frustrated with the racism and prejudice that is emerging from the presidential campaign. They are scared of what will happen and they feel helpless.
Q1Yes. My students who are first or second generation US citizens are concerned. While teaching the election of 1860, the Civil War and post Civil War immigration, my students made connections with those topics and the uncivil discourse in the campaigns.
Q1YES. Just today, at the high school, I heard students in the hallway going to lunch. One student YELLED out, "I hate Muslims!" Was it because of the terrorist attack in Belgium? That was not mentioned. He said, "I hate Muslims! They have three wives!" I was in a side room and was not near enough to the conversation to go and stop it, as students were moving down the hallway. I do not regularly work in that school, so I had no way of knowing who the student was.
Q1Yes, my students (90% Puerto Rican) are very concerned about what will happen to them and their families if Donald Trump is elected.
Q1Example: talking about Trump winning in our state, one student turned to another and said, "Goodbye, Kevin" (because Kevin is Mexican).
Q1The majority of my students are outraged, specifically at the things Donald Trump has been saying. Students want to discuss it, but it does often become heated. I have noticed a change in how my students relate to each other and tolerate ideas that differ from their own. Students have become more vocal and less willing to find common ground.
Q1Students who are redirected or reprimanded for inappropriate language have commented that Donald Trump can say whatever he wants.
Q1Students are following the campaign closer.
Q1My students frequently talk about how terrified they are by the possibility of a Trump presidency. There is a lot of fear.
Q1For a school that focuses on immigrant families and ELL students, the hatred that the Republicans have been debating is very hurtful and hard to overcome.
Q1My school is full of immigrants and refugees, many of them Muslim. The in-building feeling is one of support. We held a Day of Solidarity in January to show support for the Muslims in our community. Students have had slurs yelled at them from cars driving by them as they walk home from school. It led one Muslim girl to express suicidal thoughts, which is what prompted the Day of Solidarity.
Q1They are anti trump, which I agree with, but try to remain neutral.
Q1Not at all. They enjoy it!
Q1I have several students who believe that the moment Donald Trump is elected, he will deport all of the Mexicans. We have a considerable Hispanic population and my 5th graders are scared.
Q1Unfortunately my middle school daughter came home and told me that one of her dear Muslim friends was called a "terrorist" by another classmate. We had a lengthy conversation about what to do if there was a "next time."
Q1Yes, his ignorant comments are filtering from his speeches to student rhetoric.
Q1I teach a dual-language class at a majority Latin@ school in a liberal city (most voters went for Sanders). The election, and Trump in particular, have caused serious concern among my students. I have even heard reservations voiced by students whose families are not immigrants. They know that their classmates’ families are scared and that affects everyone in the room. My main concern is the sense that students don't know how to confront this rhetoric and these fears. I am Latina and the daughter of an immigrant, so confronting hate and teaching my students how to confront hate is central in my mind this year.
Q1My students are upset and feeling discouraged about their futures.
Q1Racial commentaries have been the most harmful - my students felt that people behaved that way "a long time ago". They didn't realize that people felt that way about their friends or themselves.
Q1Yes. There's a sense of arrogance.
Q1My Students are concerned by the anti immigrant talk and racist talk during this election. I belong to a secular homeschool group with over 100 families. We have many cultures, religions and races represented at our gatherings. The children seem most concerned that their friends might not be safe if the anti-Muslim sentiment grows. The older kids (12-up) are worried that if the U.S. elects someone who wants a database or temporary hold of all U.S. Muslims that their friends and their families may be subject to conditions Japanese-Americans faced during and after World War ll.
Q1Yes. Some students quote a politician or other. In classes the talk is respectful. I am uncertain about the quality of conversation in the lunchroom.
Q1It seems that negative discourse is becoming acceptable. I feel like I have worked so long and hard as an ELL teacher to elevate language. Now? I'm not so sure it is heading in the right direction. Very frustrating.
Q1Pro-Trump chanting.
Q1We have watched videos of Donald Trump's speeches, that are then analyzed for rhetorical characteristics -- level of vocabulary, emphasis, sentence cadences, and, of course, content. My students are aware of his rhetorical devices and also of the attractiveness that Trump has for certain disaffected segments of our citizens.
Q1The overall tone of xenophobia has been a point of discussion among many students both among themselves and with teachers.
Q1Our students are low income and the majority are people of color from varied places across the world. Our teens (many Latino students) have been expressing their concerns about building a wall to keep people out. They talk about the lack of civility and outright bullying of people of color at certain rallies. Several students who identify as gay are terrified that the progress that has been made will be reversed in the next 4-8 years. They are nearly all expressing fear and outrage that this can happen in America.
Q1Perhaps some of the students and teachers have had bigoted ideas, but the presidential campaign appears to have given them the courage to voice these thoughts, or perhaps they believe that this what they should be saying.
Q1Yes. Hatred and misinformation disseminated at student homes and at school.
Q1Seems like some kids are supporting Trump, but more so because of his notoriety on television and/or his attractive wife (model). In other words, they're "supporting" this candidate based on external factors.
Q1A lot of kids think all immigrants are bad people.
Q1They look indifferent.
Q1I have taught 7th grade Social Studies during the last three elections and this is the first time most students (over 50%) not only know who Trump is, they have very strong, negative things to say about him. The school population is over 85% Hispanic.
Q1My school seems mum on the subject. The dominant culture at the school is mainly white, and working-class. Most of the effort of dealing with student issues is focused on Restorative Practices and preparing them for testing in Math and English. I can see how the outside issues are affecting students, regardless. They are restless, more prone to behavior issues, and I sense fear. Mostly from the older kids, especially those of more marginalized ethnicity.
Q1I teach at a liberal university and students and faculty have commented on the conservative candidates.
Q1My students are very scared about their families having to go back to Mexico.
Q1They have been drawn in by slogans and easy answers to difficult challenges.
Q1I had to calm a student of Arab who was in tears and is afraid of what the outcome means for her and her family. Another Muslim student is in fear of a war between America and his country and has expressed concerns about retaliation and even similar events of the Holocaust taking place.
Q1They don't think that Donald Trump is a bully. Bullies are not powerful or rich.
Q1Repeating what they are hearing
Q1Many students have expressed anxiety about the possibility of a Trump presidency.
Q1I have taught the election every four years, but this year is very different. Students are argumentative as pro or anti Trump. When a different candidate is mentioned it is just as an afterthought.
Q1They have "fallen" for Trump.
Q1Just retired...now a sub, but in general I find students more confrontational than in past years.
Q1More discussions among staff than by students in grades 6-8.
Q1Students are scared - plain and simple.
Q1I have seen them talk a lot about Trump and their fears and concern that if he is president that things will change dramatically in our country. I sense a need for change, and a fear of the possibility of his presidency, and what it will do to our country.
Q1They question the politics in our country. They think our adults/leaders are a joke. They worry they will lose their families and teachers.
Q1I am with juniors and seniors only. They like to repeat some of the candidates’ catch phrases, especially Trump's. They like to "bait" teachers into discussions to get out of classwork, but sometimes it can be useful.
Q1Trump hate rhetoric.
Q1Major opinions, unwilling to explore issues like in the past
Q1Yes, Trump's anti immigrants rhetoric has negative impacted my students and their families.
Q1Most of our ELL population is very concerned and anxious about what will happen to them and/or their families.
Q1Yes, my future teachers often think they cannot teach about religion but when we discuss this the tell me how their church discourages them from being friendly with Muslim neighbors. I try to bring it back and it often rebounds into but after all that Muslims have done, we have to be afraid. So, it is a gradual process but not easy to counter the heavy anti-Muslim message and the anti-immigration message either.
Q1I have students wearing Trump shirts talking about how he is going to make America great again, and students discuss how we need to FeeltheBern, although they have no idea what his policies will be and then there is talk about Hillary and she needs to be in jail. People against Trump are calling him racist, and they parrot left learning websites. In the High School there are students with pages long dissertations on how bad Trump will be for the US and it is again just filled with rhetoric from left leaning sites.
Q1A few students believe that because Trump is rich he must be generous, smart, successful and willing to share his wealth with America.
Q1Also--- I think one thing that might help all of us is to maybe sit down with some of the people who are so angry to try to understand what really has people so frustrated.
Q1Most think it is amusing. Some are angered.
Q1Without any prompting from me, my students have collectively decided that Donald Trump is a bully and are frightened by the prospect of a possible presidency.
Q1We try to teach our students to be tolerant but what they are seeing goes against that.
Q1I just don't have enough to say why do you people put us through so much to become state certified in the state of any state I am sick and more sick of the system and who runs it. You won't hear me any way so why do I write I wanted so bad to be a science teacher and no one would help very up set. But that’s the way life is...
Q1Students get bits and pieces and appear uninterested.
Q1High school juniors and seniors - I have heard more jokes about Muslims and other groups than before the primary season started. I have also heard students of minority groups lash out at slights by Donald Trump and, less so, Ted Cruz.
Q1Children as young as kindergarten have chanted biased slogans from Trump's campaign.
Q1We were going to have a student from our high school who is from Iran come and speak about her experience. We canceled it because we were unsure what questions and comments students would make.
Q1Sadly, the insanity of the campaign has gotten my students (and my son) interested in presidential politics.
Q1Lack of respect for the process. Very negative rhetoric. Negative outlook.
Q1I have continued to discuss the election but find myself being more cautious because of the extreme viewpoints of my students. My daughters attend the same school and have reported that there has been a dramatic increase uncivil discussion in classes that traditionally have never discussed politics.
Q1Students are praising some candidates for their bluntness--which I in turn counter with why some the comments made are biased and not the best direction for our country.
Q1Students are becoming less trusting of government. They have lost confidence in the process. They have expressed that their future is bleak.
Q1Kids questioning respect in how the debating candidates speak to one another.
Q1Several of my students have commented that their families are already actively exploring options with a view to leaving the US if Mr. Trump becomes President. Many of my student families are from South America and there was overwhelming outrage at Mr. Trumps comments which are now ridiculed in many ways, one of the funniest being "Sorry I couldn't do my homework last night I had to go out and smuggle drugs and sell guns." Mr. Trump’s comments have proven a great opportunity to address stereotyping in this and other situations.
Q1My students have been slightly more interested in the election because of the anti-immigrant conservative messages.
Q1The students have been discussing immigration in a very negative way. I know it makes many of my students uncomfortable.
Q1The rhetoric has definitely affected Muslim students in this country as exchange students...many through US State Department scholarships via the Kennedy-Luger YES program.
Q1Yes. Several of my students' parents fear being sent back to their home country and are angered by comments made by Trump.
Q1Blame has been culminating during and definitely before this presidential campaign.
Q1We are a school of immigrants, and a significant proportion of them are Muslim. Most of my students are upset about the hateful rhetoric being thrown around by the Trump campaign.
Q1The sad part is that students are losing respect for the political process and for the office of the President. They see the candidates as jokes and are offended and dismayed for the future.
Q1Yes. I teach in an elementary school with about 50% Latino students. I overheard a conversation (in Spanish) in which students were discussing the fact that if Trump wins, they would be sent to Mexico. One of the students was particularly upset about it, because she was born here and had never been to Mexico.
Q1No, I personally have watched every debate both democratic and republican. With much interest. Many of those running appear to be out for their own interest and not for the interest of our country. The dem's seem to have a better sense about the needs of our country. Are those running the best we have?
Q1Just like the general public.... clearly divided...had them research platforms and made no difference...young women anti Trump
Q1I have NEVER had so many kids speak up about the upcoming elections. They are very worried about Trump and think he is a rich racist who hates them.
Q1I haven't noticed much of an affect on students (though much of the community appears to support Trump, based on signs in front yards, which is unsettling), but there is some mild hostility among staff. We were "informed" that we "could volunteer to phone bank for Hilary Clinton" with our union, which caused a bit of a riff and some scoffs from Sanders supporters.
Q1I have some elementary school students who seem to mainline Fox News. They are butting heads with other students. They have negative and racist comments to make about Muslims. We have been working on how to have effective discussions about controversial subjects.
Q1They are questioning our country's values, since so many are abandoning our American traditions.
Q1Nope
Q1My students are so confused. They are in middle school. And although they understood that politicians may have different messages...they have not had to deal with a presidential candidate speaking about groups of people, who often look like them, in such a hateful manner.
Q1My kids are befuddled and fearful...and actually quite disgusted that the best the Republicans can offer is Trump with all of his rhetoric and Clinton with her ethical issues.
Q1Definitely. My Latino students are fearful of Donald Trump, and unsure about what their future holds if he becomes president.
Q1My students are mostly (80%) Guatemalan and Mexican. I have 2nd grade students who fear Donald Trump. I wouldn't normally share my personal choices re: candidates with students, but this time it is different. They idolize Bernie Sanders and were relieved I do, too.
Q1Because we live in Arizona, our students are feeling marginalized.
Q1I teach English Language Learners in Boston Many of our students are scared that they will be sent away or lose their parents because they are Muslim and/or because they came from other countries. Especially scared are our families who are undocumented.
Q1There has been an increase in verbal insults among students.
Q1I am not seeing a huge difference among my students. My school historically has never been very political.
Q1My students are definitely feeling that the government is not for them and that there isn't a lot of hope for our nation.
Q1I work in a community where most of my students come from immigrant parents or have immigrant relatives. These students have shown fear coming to school and seem very scared of the election. They are only ten and eleven years old. Some of these students have anxiety over these issues.
Q1The population of students at my school are very diverse, with a high refugee population represented, 80%+ of the student body is free and reduced lunch program identified, and over 50% of the student body is Hispanic. With regards to the election, families and students are very apprehensive and even scared. Students have expressed in conversations with peers, and even some teachers, fears of their families being deported, arrested, or worse. Some students have even spoken about fears of being put in jail, being attacked by the police, or having their church closed and homes taken away. While these are hyperbolic fears from an adult standpoint, the fear is very real for many of these students.
Q1Divisive -- mostly rich vs. poor: "Rich people work hard for their money, and poor people just take it from the government."
Q1We just studied the Holocaust, so it's refreshing to see the comparisons students are making between Donald Trump and Hitler.
Q1Many of my students have been adversely affected by the fear mongering that certain candidates are focusing on. The polarizing rhetoric makes it harder to teach mutual respect and good listening skills.
Q1Yes. I teach in a diverse, urban environment and many of my students have expressed concern about what this election might mean for themselves, their families, their friends, and their greater community.
Q1No - I would have to say that in the two previous elections things were actually worse. On the other hand, it's still relatively early in the process. The level of discourse may deteriorate closer to the presidential election in the fall.
Q1Kids tend to mimic the adults in their lives, but they also mimic what they see in the media, entertainment, etc. I personally feel that reality TV had undermined the values of America and contributed to the decline in civility among adults that has also trickled down to the kids. Kids in general are less respectful than when I first began teaching. Parents are also less respectful. Arrogance and entitled attitudes are more widespread.
Q1No, I have not seen much of any type of reaction in my school toward the election.
Q1It has turned them against candidates who spew negativity and hate. They have made comparisons to issues like the Red Scares of the 20s and 50s.
Q1Students are very offended by the Republican rhetoric, particularly that coming from Donald Trump.
Q1My students who express their ideas are outraged by the words of Trump.
Q1My students actually seem much more open to talking about it since the rhetoric is more similar to how they speak to their own friends. They seem to understand the conflict but don't understand why this type of diction has such a negative connotation coming from potential presidential candidates. It honestly has been more approachable which is good in intermediate school but how sad that for the first time, my "lower than average kids" get it; it just means the presidential candidates are acting like lower than average 13 year olds and it makes me sad.
Q1I am a 20-year educator, teaching 7th and 8th grade. Prior to this election, I have not had my students independently engage in discussions regarding the presidential race unless it was part of a classroom discussion. The students have not shown an interest in elections in passing years, other than betting on who might win.
Q1I do not hear it discussed at all at my school. Everyone seems to be avoiding it. I am one of the few non-conservatives and perhaps the only non-Christian on my faculty. Perhaps conversations are being held outside my earshot.
Q1I teach at a Title 1 school - approx. 60% Hispanic population and 90% with free or reduced lunch. There is significant concern about the rhetoric being expressed by one certain candidate towards the immigrant & Hispanic population.
Q1My kindergarten students are pretty unaware.
Q1There is significantly more interest and concern.
Q1My school is 60% Hispanic, mostly first generation or second-generation immigrants. We also have a fairly large Asian population, and African American (only about 6% white). I teach social studies, and students ask me about Donald Trump almost daily. They ask if they will be sent back to their home countries if he becomes president, and tell me that they won't go back because of how unsafe it is there. Of course, they don't understand why the anti-immigrant feeling exists in the campaign, but I believe they also feel betrayed that it has gathered so much support from regular Americans. Many of my students were born here, to immigrant parents. This is the home they know and love even though they also talk of "home" in Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, etc. It breaks my heart to see them feeling, for perhaps the first time, that maybe they don't belong here. In their eyes, they are being betrayed by a country they always thought of as theirs.
Q1Yes. Students who normally wouldn't pay much attention to presidential primaries because they not their parents can't vote in the US. However, they know the rhetoric that Trump is spewing and are confused and fearful.
Q1Yes. Students are calling others "Un-American" if they do not hold the same political beliefs. Students are asking to complete assignments about immigration and its negative effect. Parents are yelling at teachers about being liberal and indoctrinating their children with liberal nonsense.
Q1It makes people bold enough to show their intolerance.
Q1Students argue over their family's beliefs. We live in a city where Latino families are 75% of the population. Those kids wonder how the New President will affect their families.
Q1I knew back in Oct. that DT was going to be a serious candidate and that the sarcastic, teasing comments made in my classroom about the reality TV personality becoming President were going to have to change because I could tell that some of my students were already looking at him seriously because of home influences. I had to figure out how to present all the candidates in a neutral way where students could logically make a choice. And of course, how to show the students that when they become a voting adult how they have to do their homework on the candidates. They can't just vote on looks, humor or charismatic threatening comments. In addition, we just finished a serious unit on the Constitution. Some of the threats and promises being made can't be done by a President without Congressional approval. So my kids now know that some candidates are counting on them not knowing the Law of the Land.
Q1The rhetoric is painful and nothing short of traumatizing for our students who have suffered through exile, migration and even asylum. It has inspired increased racism and terror.
Q1No one understands Trump. A very few students like him but don't say so out loud. They think he's direct, honest (!). The majority doesn’t like Cruz or Rubio because they seem out of touch. Most of my students are Mexican Americans. I am one of the few teachers who talks about the election and teaches it.
Q1Some of our students newly arrived from Mexico have expressed concerns.
Q1I'm hearing n****r from first graders. They also know who Trump is by name and can articulate favorable or negative sentiments about him personally. My own son is a first grader and came home with ideas about Trump which he'd heard from friends; he wanted comfort and reasons why someone so hated would be discussed by his friends.
Q1Not much, elementary school.
Q1I teach 6th graders, and they cannot understand how he can say negative things about groups of people and still get votes. They realize that his behavior is awful, and they are very confused why people are okay with his behavior.
Q1Encouraging middle-school students to use respectful language when referring to "others" has always been a challenge. It does not help when they see an adult publicly displaying the behavior I am trying to persuade them is offensive and inappropriate. Media content is viewed as credible, simply because it is public; this is a problem. I hear, "building a wall", "getting shot at the border", and "deported" each time there is major news coverage.
Q1My Muslim students are afraid and are being picked on (outside of my class). We are dealing with behaviors that we've not had to in the past.
Q1We have many students who are illegal immigrants and they feel their future is uncertain.
Q1My students are in gangs. They are lumping all white people in a "die whites" movement due to Trump being white. There is a symbol - turning a sign language "W" upside down. Bonus points if you get a selfie making this hand gesture with a white in the background. I can reach most of them one on one, but in a group setting they are reluctant to see that not all white people support trump. We had an outburst in the hall 2 weeks ago- about 2 dozen kids yelling "fuck Trump" and teachers were not able to break it up in a safe and orderly manner. I've been having the conversations, but it's strange because I thought our society was moving forward. It a real odd way, I can now say I know how it feels to be lumped into a category due to my race alone, and no other facts.
Q1One family in my class follows Muslims traditions and culture. My student is affected by bullying tactics in his neighborhood because of this.
Q1I teach second graders. Last week our story was Grace for President. While we were talking about the title one of my students mentioned Donald Trump. A Hispanic student responded that Donald Trump wants to segregate. She followed that up with, "he wants to send all Mexicans to Mexico." I acknowledged her concerns and we went on to revisit the word "segregate" and to discuss the possibility of a woman becoming president.
Q1Talk about deportation and border security and immigration causes anxiety for my students, due to theirs or their family's citizenship status.
Q1The issues are marginalized so that much of what's said is about how "stupid" or "insane" Trump is. All they seem to want to do is Trump bash.
Q1I teach world history and I have had students turn in assignments that are inappropriate for the first time in 20 years. Students have turned in anti-Muslim rhetoric, as well as rhetoric against Alaskan natives during a mini lesson.
Q1I don't see students acting like the inflammatory and racist politicians they see. Rather, my students express a lack of respect for those politicians (though I live in a very liberal area of the country). That said, I'm concerned that they see politics and leadership as a mockable thing that is separate from them. I worry about how this will affect their generation when they are of leadership age themselves.
Q1I have, one student feels it's his right to speak up about the experiences of others. My students of color are more afraid to speak up. I see a look in their eye when we talk politics and I know they want to talk, but they are afraid of how others will respond. I see them nod their heads when I say something about racist comments of our politicians.
Q1Obama's 8 years are worse than this election cycle.
Q1No
Q1Students have been very motivated to vote and to discuss the issues. Students are excited about the election. Most teens at my school are supporting Bernie Sanders. The students comment about Trump's antics. Many immigrant students are concerned about their status if Trump wins.
Q1Students are less apathetic about the current election process and the issues discussed in the debates.
Q1Many of our parents without papers are unwilling to attend school functions because of fear of deportation.
Q1Increase in inappropriate language referencing race, immigrants, etc. students have more questions about meaning of words they hear such as racist, KKK. Many of our families did not feel comfortable registering to vote, or talking about the presidential race as if they wanted to remain anonymous or not share their opinions. My school has many immigrant and refugee families.
Q1Yes, because TV has become this place to reality shows that display realities that do not reflect the everyday lifestyle, so this campaign has become just another reality show. So students come to school and act out these behaviors they see plastered all over the TV without understanding the real life consequences of the bullying attitudes.
Q1There's regular conversation and some of it is healthy debate. Yet those with extreme views seem to be loudest and boldest. Somehow they feel, despite all we teach about tolerance and empathy, that it's fine to repeat the nasty comments made by Tea Party and extreme conservative movement -- and the comments are entirely quoted, nothing original from the students' own conscious thinking. Since my school is conservative, much of it is tolerated. They avoid taking stances against the outward disrespect of President Obama - although it was nice to see my principal demand a teacher remove the Confederate Flag he draped proudly over his classroom window (and we live in Southern California - a town well-known for its white supremacy).
Q197% of my students are mainly from Mexico and many of them have heard the nonsense from the people running for office and the news.
Q1Trump and his remarks have come up quite a few times with noticeable discomfort and awkwardness from my 8th graders. There have been a several incidents regarding the Mexican border in speeches and some posters put up but our administrators jumped on it right away and both the students involved were suspended for a day.
Q1My students question the values of all the candidates.
Q1A fight almost broke out among ten-year olds.
Q1Most of the children express anti-Trump sentiments. One child said he was for Trump. Kids ganged up on him.
Q1Very little. Most of my students are oblivious to the news and concentrate on their social media and friends
Q1Students have become more vocal in their opinions and have identified some of the candidates as being racists or sexist.
Q1Several Muslim American students have written about or spoken out in class about the concerns they have if Trump is elected President. Several shared the concerns expressed at home by parents and siblings about their worries about how a Trump Presidency might change their lives for the worse (registration by religion, targeting, harassment, possible deportation or ghettoization, etc.). I have not seen changes for the worse (intolerance, hostility, bullying) among white students. The vast majority of White students laugh when Donald trump's name comes up in a class discussion. His candidacy is mostly seen as a joke and a disgrace. Students keep asking, however, why so many keep voting for him.
Q1Definitely. Students are more vocal in their opposition and hatred of minority groups. We have a small but visible Muslim population in our school and they have reported increased animosity.
Q1Middle school and high school teachers are being called to the principal's offices in my district because parents have complained that they are promoting their own political views. In one case this was done in response to a teacher who displays an enormous collection of campaign posters from both the D and the R parties dating back to the 1920's. While the parent claimed the teacher was promoting the Democratic Party, this teacher is in fact a Republican who, ironically, recently left the party over the racist rhetoric issuing from the demagogue with the bad hair. A teacher at my very rural, very white, very racist high school was also accused by parents (who also are employed in the school district) of promoting his own political agenda. According to what he told me, he had asked his advisory students who were repeating claims of the aforementioned demagogue if they would like to examine evidence to see if the claims could be supported with facts. He told me that he bends over backwards not to promote his own political views in school, and I believe this is true of him. Incidentally I recently introduced this teacher to your excellent curriculum website Perspectives for a Diverse America. He was super excited about it and plans to use it in advisory and also for a creative writing elective he teaches.
Q1My school has more immigrant than naturally born citizens; many are here illegally, but I make it a point not to know which ones. Another large population of my school is Muslim. Both groups need assurances and support. My students are scared and disillusioned.
Q1No, not at all. Our school environment is one of respect.
Q1A Muslim student in my class was disgusted with statements made by Trump and other candidates regarding her faith. The day that Trump came to UCF, my husband and I joined Muslim families and supporters of Peace at a rally in downtown Orlando. I met students and their families there who were promoting unity, peace and understanding.
Q1No
Q1There is much more contention. Students are talking about the personalities of the candidates instead of platforms.
Q1They look at the rhetoric and say if Presidents can say that, then why can't I.
Q1A huge increase in election interest, but for the wrong reasons. Students love the crazy behavior, without listening to the issues.
Q1Students are more aware but the information they are receiving is bias, hateful and no level of the historical significance.
Q1Conversation is so negative and there is not way for it not to be. Adults need to be role models, not playground bullies.
Q1Some are horrified. Many are embarrassed.
Q1My ELL students are scared because the Trump campaign has demonized Mexicans as criminals and rapist. They are also very worried that their families and themselves will be deported even if they have legal status.
Q1Affect, yes, in a positive way. They are interested in all aspects of the campaign and how it will impact them. They are researching the issues, the candidates and the even the media coverage of the important time.
Q1No, it's a normal Presidential election year, comes around every 4 years.
Q1I have not seen much of this. As we read The Diary of Anne Frank in class, I did have a couple of students make the connection between Trump’s anti-Muslim comments and the Nazi's anti-Semitic comments.
Q1Everyone is more silent about the process of the campaign.
Q1My students know who Donald Trump is because of his big mouth and rude behavior and hateful statements. They do not want him to be president, but they are not overjoyed by anyone else who is running either. We are trying to get those who are old enough and US Citizens to be in a position to vote in the upcoming primary, but that is an up hill battle.
Q1They are revolted in some cases.
Q1Students seem to believe that they do not need to listen to teachers - there is so much teacher-bashing going on in politics that the sentiment of teachers being greedy, whiney part-time workers is spilling into the school. I've never heard "I don't have to listen to you" from so many students as I have in this past election cycle. I'm very concerned that this rhetoric is going to impact these kids for a very long time to come.
Q1Generally, the student body is aware of the election, the candidates, and an esoteric familiarity with their positions. They have a grasp of the rhetoric and have formed opinions. However, there is no tension, fear, or violence present due to the election.
Q1There is a higher presence of hate talk towards all races, including African American.
Q1It has created a very hostile environment when the presidency is discussed. It's not civil, it's not productive. It becomes squarely focused on personal issues that people have with the candidates.
Q1Some students support Donald Trump, although I believe they do not understand his rhetoric while others ignore the message of this candidate. Some students are pretty much neutral because they do not understand what is taking place. I am sure that when the time comes to vote on campus, the issues of the day shall be clear and students shall cast their vote for the candidate of their choice.
Q1High school students are fearful of the future. They are seeing hatred that they never knew existed and the new mantra is "Racism is not dead."
Q1My students are actively engaging in discussion about the 2016 election. They have expressed overwhelming support for candidates that promote ideas of fairness, equality, and civility. They dislike and shun candidates with divisive rhetoric. We engage often in discussions about what it means to be a citizen and the importance of the idea that if you believe in civil rights, then who are you to decide who should get those rights? Belief in civil rights means that these are rights for ALL, not just SOME.
Q1I have Muslim students who are really feeling a lot of angst from the fire fueled by Trump.
Q1Latino students in particular have experienced more overtly rude, unprovoked comments directed toward them out in the community.
Q1My son and daughter are engaged in the process and appreciate hearing from all sides, why don't you?
Q1They are mostly uninformed. They are simply mimicking what they see others posting online. For example, I have heard a number of students say, "I'm moving to Canada if Trump gets elected." I feel many of the students think that this year's presidential campaign is making a mockery of the process. Several of my students were able to walk across the street to the local community college to see Trump speak during one of our school days. They said it was like a circus or sporting event. People dressed up in crazy outfits tail-gating in the parking lot before the event.
Q1Some of my students (3rd grade) are repeating what they hear directly from candidates (mainly Trump), as well as what they hear from other media sources (they cite YouTube as an example). I have been shocked and broken-hearted to need to have the types of discussions I've had to lead recently about not judging people based on their religion, cultural background, country of origin, home language, or income level. Private conversation with a student: "My uncle is here illegally. What is going to happen to him after the election?"
Q1It's made them more aware of the election and inspired them to register and vote
Q1Since NH has a lot of political coverage, students are aware and actively involved in campaigns. Even before they are 18 some of them are volunteering on campaigns and attending rallies. This makes them very aware of the racist and hateful language that is being used.
Q1The students are aware of what the candidates are saying. They will even quote some candidate's slogans. Other students are concerned what may happen if certain candidates are elected.
Q1Yes they talk very negatively about Trump.
Q1I have heard students comment on the "crazy" ads, and the way this election has turned into a popularity contest.
Q1In the sense that some are outraged or disagree with statements made by politicians and we debate those issues in class...
Q1I am in a Title One school with a heavy black and Hispanic population. Several of my Hispanic kids are scared for their families and themselves. On more than one occasion, I have had a long talk with kids who felt they had to explain that their parents were undocumented immigrants and they feared deportation even though they kids themselves were born in the USA. It has, in many ways, affected the academic success of the students in question. For example, one really good kid, 3 months from graduation, is considering dropping out so he can work his part time roofing job on a full time basis to earn more money for his family. What do you say to a kid that is so right and so wrong at the same time?
Q1Interestingly, most my students, who have a low level of literacy, are quite aware of what's going on. They are pro-Hillary Clinton, and some "feel the Bern." Most of the talk is about Donald Trump and how dangerous he is.
Q1I teach at an elementary school where we have the ELL (English Language Learners) program for our district in a rural town in SE Ohio. I have seen and heard of an increase (and beginning) of negative comments being made towards our international population. This is especially hard because it did not use to exist.
Q1Our 9th graders want to talk about it - then generally see Trump's and Cruz' comments about a wall as ridiculous.
Q1I have not seen it with students, beyond parroting what they heard a faculty member say. I worry that too many faculty members are interjecting their views on to students rather than teaching all sides.
Q1Yes, absolutely. We are a relatively blue county in the middle of a giant red state, so there's more open-mindedness here than in other areas not so far away from us. Middle school kids are having a difficult time with the complexities of this election--this is probably the first presidential election they're old enough to really know about and consider more thoughtfully, but at the same time, while they express horror at the things Trump has said and done, they also kind of laugh about it and treat it flippantly.
Q1My students talk about it, how ridiculous Trump sounds at times. Although some of my students are pro-Trump, and like him because he "is the only one who can change the U.S." Debates occur!
Q1I teach ESL in a high school--most of my students are from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Brazil. A few weeks ago, we had our annual lockdown drill and had to hide in the corner with the lights off. Several of my students asked if that was what would happen when Donald Trump became president and tried to deport them all.
Q1My students whose parents were born in Mexico and has lots of family there still, "Mrs. B, Donald Trump doesn't like Mexicans. That's sad." This broke my heart. How can I ever justify having mock elections this year?
Q1My 5th grade students have fear each time a caucus result is discussed, so since Super Tuesday, I avoid the issue.
Q1Whenever violence, including the bullying and ugly campaign disputes, appears in the news, it is a challenge to teach about non-violence.
Q1Not really
Q1Students are unsettled - they say they don't understand how adults are behaving in ways they have been told are unacceptable - it makes them uneasy and doubtful about their future
Q1While studying inaugural poets of the past, my students wanted to write an inaugural poem for the potential new president. They had a great deal of fun caricaturizing the candidates. This tells me they are absorbing at least some of the most obvious policy positions taken by the candidates. In retrospect, this seems like a positive way to channel the rhetoric without defending it.
Q1The children seem a bit confused as to why these "authority" figures can behave the way they do and be supported for it.
Q1Students feel targeted.
Q1Yes, but it's not just the rhetoric of this year's presidential campaign. The number of politicians and public figures making blanket derogatory statements about Muslims has increased and has the potential to create hostile work environments for Muslims working in the country. I had to talk to one of my students recently when the student referred to a Muslim support staff person as an ISIS.
Q1It's hard for them to see the importance of media coverage, and developing awareness of the issues, when media doesn't cover the important things. My kids have no idea about crumbling city infrastructures, problems with health care system, and the seriousness of climate change and other pollution.
Q1Many of the ideas that I am hearing from students sound as if they are coming straight from their parents' mouths, and many of the statements are very biased and emotionally driven without any sound facts to support them. Many students have mentioned their parents threatening to leave the country and move because of the upcoming election.
Q1Many of my students are very uneasy about this election. Most feel that Trump is sending us backwards in race relations and can't believe a presidential candidate is behaving so poorly.
Q1No change
Q1They speak of the news
Q1Many students, particularly in the South, (I believe) feel that Trump is saying things that ALL people really think. The tolerant Southern voice that is already minimized is being drowned out by this divisive rhetoric. It is important for students to know that most people, even in the South, don't support hate.
Q1I often hear students making Anti-Obama comments, which obviously are their parents' views and not their own.
Q1My students are shocked. They thought it was a joke earlier, but now are concerned.
Q1Yes, my students seem to be more outspoken now, refuting some of the rhetoric spoken by several candidates.
Q1Not as much as the high school where I taught the last 12 years.
Q1Yes, my students are absolutely terrified of the specter of Donald Trump being elected. They are worried that they, their families or friends may be deported. Nearly all of my students--immigrant and non-immigrant alike--are so confused as to how a person who has no respect for American ideals can be so popular. At the same time, my students are more politically engaged than in year's past.
Q1Yes
Q1None
Q1My school community tends to be more left leaning, but we do have a few conservative families. There have been a few heated discussions about the candidates. Students are mostly upset that one candidate in particular has a national platform to practice hate speech.
Q1We have an active Race & Equity youth group at our school, which keeps positive dialogue among the students alive and current. This has been a great tool!!
Q1My students seem unusually interested in the campaign and what potential outcomes are. We are a small, rural school with majority white enrollment. My challenge has been getting my students to formulate specifics as to their support of a certain candidate. And looking at the pros/cons of each support. I haven't heard any overt statements about minority groups, but I am not with my students all of the time.
Q1Just among the adults. I think the students in my alternative setting high school feel that the presidential primaries and election is too far removed from any impact in their lives.
Q1Not at all.
Q1Students seem generally more anxious about the "What if's".
Q1They speak a lot about how much they do not like the ideas that are being brought forward about building walls and limiting immigration.
Q1The rhetoric displayed during the presidential campaign is embarrassing and disturbing.
Q1My students have become more interested in the election process as a result of what they're hearing in the media.
Q1The students verbally share concern during Socratic seminars
Q1No, I haven't seen it affect my school, but there is dialogue about the candidates and their threats.
Q1With still maintaining a certain level of freedom of speech, it has been a very difficult topic, more so in my oldest students- 8th Grade. Most students still portray tolerant attitudes; however I have one in particular who is very vocal about wanting Trump to "build a wall." It is very discouraging.
Q1No
Q1When Donald Trump referenced the size of his genitals in a presidential debate, that was a hard one (pun not initially intended) to deal with in a middle school classroom. Of course they thought it was funny but they were also shocked that it was mentioned by a presidential candidate. I have had at least four students say things to the effect of "is he going to send "us" back to Africa?" Also, as I taught Hitler's rise to power before WWII, I had kids draw a comparison.
Q1I coach teachers in an urban district with large immigrant population and students are expressing fear of the outcome of the election. It's also causing further divisiveness in our student population as groups feel singled out yet are not able to reconcile to the fact that they are all in it together. The teachers I assist in lesson planning are more inclined to want to avoid discussing the actual candidates and issues.
Q1These questions have an air of victimization, as if young people can't handle the political rhetoric swirling around out there. But honestly, hate and ignorance and disinformation have always been a part of the political scene. By and large, I don't know if Teaching Tolerance is giving these people enough credit for their resiliency.
Q1I have never heard a presidential candidate's name mentioned so frequently and with such detail (usually 7th graders are blissfully ignorant of current events) and I have never had as many students willing to criticize a Republican candidate out loud, which is unusual due to the predominantly conservative political culture of our area.
Q1Students are unwilling to talk about issues because they don't want to start fights
Q1Our students (PK-5th Grade) come from 20+ countries and speak nearly as many languages. Many of our Muslim students express fear that they and their families will be treated poorly if Trump is elected.
Q1My students are terrified of what will happen to their families if certain candidates win. It comes up in discussions and journal entries constantly. During our literature unit we read a book about the Holocaust. The students immediately began drawing unprompted connections between Adolf Hitler and Donald Trump. With wide-eyes they ask me if what happened in Germany can happen in the United States to them. I am an ESL teacher and many of my students have come to this country fleeing violence and trauma only to find themselves and their families living in fear again due to political hate speech and the threats of immigration raids.
Q1It has divided... I have seen some students in an awful light as they post things on social media. The battle in sometimes behind the computer screens and it is ugly.
Q1Muslim students say their classmates consider them terrorists. The girls haven't expressed much concern, but the boys have.
Q1Some look at it pragmatically as if this is an "us" and "them" but that is the minority. Most students are revolted by the rhetoric and recognize its ignorance.
Q1I have two classes--ability grouped; as expected, the "high" class is mostly white, upper middle class (with several "gifted"). The students from economically challenged households (food-impaired households) is “low”--about 5% (one child). In the "low" class, the population in low SES is about 75%. I have fought this for years at our school, but this presidential campaign is decidedly entrenching the “haves" and "have-not" mentality at my school. Students in the "lower" block fear Donald Trump (they have little knowledge of Cruz, Rubio, or any other Republican). There is a lot of fear for my students of color, particularly Latinos that they (or their families) will be sent somewhere (most have lived in the States for their entire life). Some vocalize their concern, others get really quiet when the talk of elections come up.
Q1I am open with my graduate education students, dialoguing about the responsibilities we have to remind students of the road that social justice and human and civil rights have taken in modern history. Students are stunned by the fact that they are seeing a candidate who opening is espousing taking away rights from a group of citizens because of their ethnicity. I have noticed that graduate students are upset by this and are trying to figure out how to teach rationale caring thought, during a turbulent time.
Q1In Puerto Rico we use the schools as voting sites, and politics is very much a part of our lives. My High School students for the most don't care much about their right to vote. They find the process a waste of time especially with the chain of events that developed lately in PR and he US.
Q1We are a very liberal school district. Trump supporters feel that they must fly under the radar.
Q1It's getting harder to work with students on determining fact/opinion, and the "correctness" of my way/ highway.
Q1Students are more concerned and worried about the impact of this election on them and their family.
Q1One of our kindergarten students was concerned that if Trump was elected all of the black people would be sent back to Africa.
Q1This election, social media, or I, have galvanized students to volunteer for campaigns and get involved and aware this year like I've never seen before.
Q1Yes, specifically how the anti-Latino immigrant rhetoric has affected how they see themselves in American society. Even those students who are US citizens feel their place in America is tenuous at best.
Q1BSU (Black Student Union) assembly was met with hostility and horrible media backlash.
Q1My students think it's a joke. They think some of the candidates are just putting on a show and trying to get attention.
Q1My students are in the zero levels and know little about the world around them. They tend to believe whatever they're told, and they also tend to view everything quite literally. We must educate them to think for themselves.
Q1Students of color have asked that since Donald Trump won the primary in our state, does that mean our state consists mostly of racists?
Q1Many of my students are new Americans or children of immigrants. They have expressed concern for their futures. Some Hispanic children are worried they will have to go back to their parents' home country.
Q1I live in a rural community that has about 30% ELL Hispanic population. Many of my students are concerned about the rhetoric by Trump, while many other students are supportive of his ideas. This makes it more important than ever that I address it in the classroom, and hopefully model how we can calmly talk about our differences.
Q1Students seem more exclusive.
Q1I work in an elementary school. My third graders especially are concerned about the election. Many of my students are concerned about what happens to their families should a certain candidate be elected. The week before the primary election was filled with students asking questions and expressing concerns. There has been a huge increase in the number of students who want to know my political views. I think that they want to know whether I am supportive of their families and current immigration policies. I have seen many elections in my 20 years in education, and this has been the most controversial and emotional.
Q1They see the campaign and election as a big joke. This terrifies me. They are also so quick to believe stories on social media. Getting the facts does not seem to be important to them. Again, it is all a laughable circus to them. I fear they will not respect or believe in our political process. I also fear they will only hear the voice of he who speaks loudest and harshest.
Q1My student population is more than 85% Hispanic. They are very sensitive about the statements regarding immigration. The students feel that immigration is the only conversation being discussed when there are so many other issues that are important for the incoming president.
Q1Yes they find Mr. Trump funny and think he is going to fix everything
Q1I have mostly seen that my students and colleagues are concerned about the direction our country is headed. We have been concerned about the amount of hatred and intolerance that has been expressed by presidential candidates and the American people.
Q1There are a small percentage of Trump supporters, but they are very vocal. Some are just using it for shock value, but others appear to be fans. They just mention his name loudly during class whenever they can.
Q1Yes. Students are talking about it in the halls and in classrooms pointing out kids that will be deported.
Q1Most of what I've observed has been wisecracks or sarcastic comments about what they've heard or seen.
Q1Kids readily identify bullying tactics that began with Donald Trump's words of hate for the other candidates and spread amongst them...leaving Rubio as the scapegoat for "Going so Low".
Q1They are afraid that if Trump wins he will deport all the illegal Mexican immigrants
Q1Students are getting more into the elections.
Q1They are studying the positions of the candidates more and speak out when they find candidates not being honest.
Q1I teach at a Catholic School - we have used the campaign in my 8th grade religion class to look for the Catholic Social Teachings within the campaigns. Because Pope Francis has been so supportive of immigrants, we talk about the candidates and their positions on immigration.
Q1The rhetoric of this election has been extremely inflammatory. I am an ESOL teacher, so the election has placed an additional burden of stress and discomfort on my students, who are majority Mexican immigrants in descent. There is a lot of fear and frustration, as well as the sense that they can do nothing to change how this is unfolding. Students have told me they feel like the whole country is against them, and it is difficult to convince them otherwise as Trump continues to win delegates. Students who are already at risk are even more at risk.
Q1Because of our diversity here, there is not the anti-immigrant or anti-Muslim rhetoric. But there are "jokes" that aren't jokes about Trump and his rallies. There is a fear of What May Happen.
Q1Not really except to get the students more involved which is great.
Q1Yes. Most of my students are frustrated and disagree with the rhetoric, others think it is funny and entertaining, and for that reason they enjoy it.
Q1Our New Americans are very very scared.
Q1Students have a strong opinion about the elections and are actually more in tune with current events this year, especially having all military children.
Q1We talk about it all the time. My students barely know who is running but they tell me they would vote for "the white lady." They certainly know the name Trump but most have not really heard much of what he has said. I do not shy away from it with discussions with fellow teachers so they hear these discussions. I would never consider not bringing this up. I intend to show some of his rallies and speeches and have students tell me what their reactions to it are, both pro and con. Then we are going to talk about whether his popularity is a good thing or a bad thing and why. Then we are going to talk about how he got here--what the causes of his insurgence both from and economic and political point of view. That is, defining Nixon's South Strategy and how the GOP's "Southern Strategy", veiled racism, disdain for the working class and the poor have helped create a belief within the GOP that behavior like Trump's is OK but only when it is subtle. Then we can talk about the GOP economic belief, defining 'supply-side economics’ how the "trickle down economic theories" have failed. How this failure created the disillusionment of many traditional Republicans and even some Dems with the established parties, etc. We are talking about Bernie already. I think a comparison of the two would be interesting especially since so many are torn between Bernie and Trump. We need to look at why that's the case? What is the appeal? We are going to talk about who the constituency for Trump might be and why.
Q1I work in an elementary school (in the south) with a high Latino population. Many of these students are truly frightened by what they hear about this election and the candidates. I have even heard from African-American students who feel the anti-immigrant sentiment coming from some candidates is directed at them as well, even though they and generations of their family before them were born in the U.S. It is very difficult as an educator to know how to discuss these fears with students in a helpful, supportive way.
Q1The BS they are hearing- the bullying tactics, the religion, all are topics and the remark "I would ask her out" referring to a daughter- for my students- many have abuse issues this is grounds for court.
Q1I work in a violent community. Violence is like a part of their every day lives. However, it is difficult to explain how a candidate cannot follow the law and not have to face any consequences for their actions. Trust issues become a problem.
Q1Students are more vocal on the issues reflecting their parents’ views.
Q1A 7th grade boy told me that he needed to hire an assassin to take out Trump because he's terrified of him and what he might cause.
Q1My own daughter has had openly racist and sexist remarks told right to her. Have never had to call the school ever until now. In the school where I teach, I see both teachers and students more boldly making biased comments.
Q1The students on the liberal side have become hateful and disrespectful of anyone that doesn't fully agree with their view. Very 1930 Germany.
Q1We are currently have student body elections and one of the teams chose to use the same slogan as Donald Trump and our students were quite upset when they saw the signs.
Q1Some loud obnoxious students are still loud and obnoxious. The election may trigger comments - but those are among the classroom management issues that need to be addressed election or no election.
Q1Negative behaviors a result of watching adults.
Q1They are terrified of being told there are other options.
Q1The students don't like certain candidates because of the hatred they are spreading
Q1During my opinion/persuasive unit of writing, a few of my students wrote a speech convincing their audience to not vote for Donald Trump or to vote for either Clinton and Sanders. During the non-fiction unit a student chose the topic of Republicans to research. They were very well written with facts and anecdotes included.
Q1Yes. I teach at a school where 99% of our student population is Latino, a mix of legal and illegal status and our students are very stressed about their future. And questioning why some people can be so hateful towards them without even knowing them.
Q1Many students and adults are keeping a "low profile" and shying away from political discussion for fear of recourse.
Q1Our school has about 90 languages, is full of immigrants. It's in [an Illinois city], when I began teaching here it was primarily Jewish kids, the demographic change has been remarkable and not all teachers have been able to embrace this. Many late career teachers left when "those" kids began to show up.
Q1Many of my students are confused about the rhetoric. They don't know how to evaluate a candidate's policies or potential leadership abilities.
Q1I teach at a high minority/high poverty urban school. In Honors English 10 we have discussed rhetoric and propaganda in regard to Hitler and the holocaust; students have been drawing comparisons to Trump. In AP English 11 we've looked more deeply into why people would support someone like Trump, and whether John Oliver went too far when he started #MakeDonaldDrumpfAgain.
Q1My students have become very keen to the rhetoric tactics used by certain candidates in this year's campaign. My students will include information they have learned from the televised debates and interviews that they saw of the candidates.
Q1Yes. My PreAP classes had a debate and it was very emotional
Q1Yes, my students have become very divisive and are confused as to what information they hear from candidates is true and what is not. They have a hard time consuming media responsibly and analytically.
Q1Students have drawn parallels, as I stated above, to radical leaders of the past whose hatred ultimately caused death and suffering to millions of innocent people.
Q1My students are very pro-Bernie Sanders and anti -rump. They have not bought into the rhetoric other than to be concerned about Trump being elected.
Q1Some youth are becoming increasingly aggressive in their verbal abuse toward anyone that is different...often repeating what their parents say....
Q1I teach college students who are afraid that they will not be allowed to come to college because of their religion. The 2016 Presidential election is civil on the Democrat side but the news focus mainly on the Republican side. Maybe what we need to focus is how the news is covering these candidates. Freedom of the press and how candidates exploit it would be a very interesting topic for a social psychology course.
Q1Students are voicing disagreement with prejudice. My school sponsored an ADL Peer Leadership Program, which was superb!
Q1The kids are quite concerned about the statements made by Trump - mostly about the wall blocking Mexico and sending African -Americans back to Africa. We have had many discussions about citizenship and what can truly be done constitutionally.
Q1Not really-----however, when we had a Day of Honor (a la Dia de los Muertoes) several of the students executed a large sculpture of Donald Trump with a letter. It should have gone viral. It was poignant.
Q1I teach in a very progressive, liberal area of the country where the majority of white students and families are anti-Trump. The students have very heated discussions about their dislike for Trump and his policies. There is also a large population of Latino students in my school, some of whom are part of the group of undocumented minors. The community at large is very supportive of recent immigrants since so much of my school is made up of both Latino and African immigrants. The most divisive conversations happen between students who support Clinton or Sanders.
Q1My students are young and many worry about their family members if Trump is elected president. They believe they or their family will be deported. They also fear that speaking Spanish will make them easy targets for discrimination or deportation. In our teacher lounge, jokes or comments are made among staff members that bilingual teachers will be out of a job and that it will make things much easier when we stop accommodating students. Some teachers think this is funny. I do not. I often avoid these people now.
Q1Certain students have made comments that if Donald Trump is elected he will send people like them away. Or they say that if he is elected they will move to another country.
Q1My students discuss the campaign and how "hateful" the candidates sound, especially Trump. It makes them upset and worried about their status as 25% of my students are not here legally. School wide, the number is probably 50%.
Q1Since I only teach advanced biology I don't often talk politics but some of my students were laughing and joking that they will vote Trump, and my population is very ethnically diverse! I probably have 10 different countries represented in my classroom and the minority is Caucasian. But I took the time to explain to them how the world felt about us after 8 years of war/Bush, and how Obama took the time to talk to young/old people around the world about how we need to work together and the US is their friend. My son was in Germany going to school is 2006 and he felt the hatred of Americans personally. Obama changed that and won the Noble Peace Prize in the process and 14/15 year old students don't know that. I said to my students that if Trump got elected he might need to build a wall around our entire country because the rest of the world will not like us again.
Q1Very little, they are mostly uninformed 8th graders.
Q1Yes, my students are very concerned that if Donald Trump or Ted Cruz becomes president that they will be targeted for discrimination based on what they look like and not their citizenship status.
Q1Not yet.
Q1Embarrassing to say the least. Impossible to defend. Better to delete and 'paraphrase'.
Q1Many of my students have expressed outrage over the negativity of Trump's campaign and many have described him as a "racist."
Q1My more aware/critical thinking students are frustrated/angry about the things they are hearing and those that have less experience/knowledge tend to tune out the noise or, buy into the fear, negativity and vitriol.
Q1Open discourse about each person's ideas should be encouraged by our teachers and they should teach how to effectively debate on facts not fiction.
Q1As we work to teach the negative impact of bullying, students are watching presidential hopefuls bully one another. As we work to teach that all people are important and their voice is one of value, we watch presidential hopefuls shut down others who express a different idea or opinion.
Q1Concerns about the KKK and anti women and other ethic groups
Q1It's hard to pinpoint this to the election because teachers are under so much pressure now and have had so many of their work rights eroded that moral is down. I live in Michigan and our governor and the legislature made our state a "right to work" state which has changed our working environment greatly. Our teachers are distracted by these changes and they are also distracted by what is going on with Detroit Public Schools and Flint Michigan water crisis, where our children and families in the next county over are unable to use the water due to the high level of lead in it. This is also impacting our students, they worry about the children of Flint and so do I. Our colleagues in Detroit are working in unsafe environments and they do not have adequate test books, materials, supplies. Our state is not funding our schools appropriately. So these issues seem to be taking precedents over the election
Q1The rhetoric supplied by this year's campaign has filtered down into our students. Maybe not in content, but in the way they act and react towards each other. We need someone in the political realm to lead the charge to create a better political atmosphere that still allows people to talk about these issues at hand and create solutions for those issues.
Q1Poor role models = poor impressions on malleable minds
Q1A very limited number of students have repeated the ignorant rhetoric of some of the candidates.
Q1Will there be a wall against immigrants from Mexico has been asked several times. We do an immigration unit earlier in the year.
Q1I'm at an elementary. Students repeat what they hear without thinking too deeply about it. It is challenging to step in and confront these thoughtless comments in a way that protects my students who are being slighted, but also is sensitive to students who are echoing their parents' comments and don't want to believe their parents are doing anything wrong or hurtful.
Q1Yes
Q1Students are starting to become interested in politics because of how much press the election has already received.
Q1My students are predominately African American; and have interpreted Mr. Trump's stance on immigration as they will be sent back to Africa.
Q1I have not.
Q1The kids may listen, may learn, but what they'll do is what the adults do. Much more disrespect & intolerance
Q1My daughter and her friends are worried about their futures in this country. They are worried about all the hateful things being said and fear that the US is headed toward a fascist state.
Q1Students have brought up Donald Trump as an example of racism still existing in our world. They often say things about him in a very off-hand way (i.e., let's move to Canada if he gets elected) but they've also expressed fear of his beliefs that he doesn't like people that "look like them." They really haven't talked about any other candidates.
Q1Yes, several of my students have expressed fear of deportation of their families, if Trump is elected as President.
Q1Yes, children follow the example of angry sentiment and rhetoric.
Q1I think the rhetoric of the campaign mimics what we have seen from some media outlets for quite some time. Do I think that rhetoric affects students? Absolutely. They have a hard time practicing civil discourse, because that is not what they see modeled.
Q1Yes, I teach Hispanic students, and they are very concern about their future in this country, if Donald Trump becomes our next president.
Q1Yes there has been more talk about Trump and in years past too many didn't even know who the president is!
Q1My students (and to some extent) my population are disenfranchised and disengaged. However staff is severely affected as the climate of hostility against education in my state (KS).
Q1Absolutely! I teach a predominantly Muslim population and they are definitely worried about what they hear in the news as it talks about kicking out all the Muslims from America.
Q1Students are worried that they family members will get deported. Families are concerned about their children talking about the election.
Q1Yes, there is a great divide between students. Students don't know the deeper meanings or true things the candidates are campaigning. Instead, they know the topical ideas or the things they get quickly from the news. They'll discuss those things without evening knowing the difference between a republican and democrat.
Q1Yes. We did a mock election and the student representing Trump was addressed by a student whom he did not know in the hallway and told that he should go "kill himself."
Q1Undocumented students voice their worry.
Q1Yes. It is sickening to see how young white males get behind the vitriol of Trump.
Q1My students complain about Trump and think that he is already a government power who can jail them and their parents. Joe Arpaio is Sheriff, his endorsement of Trump fuels fear here.
Q1I have students telling me they hate Trump and wish they were old enough to vote, so they could vote for Hillary Clinton.
Q1Yes...Mr. Trump's impulsivity and anti-immigrant comments have shocked the students. They wonder aloud how someone who has tantrums and insults others on the national stage can deal effectively with the major issues of poverty, immigration and non-discrimination that we face today.
Q1The presidential election has made student become more interested in the process and issues. Most of my students do not like any of the candidates on either the Republican or Democratic tickets but the personalities of candidates has students talking about the issues and has them watching the news just to see what will happen next. Discussion about the primaries has been very civil.
Q1My immigrant students are much less trusting of Americans especially white people.
Q1My Hispanic students have expressed fear about their future in the United States. I am afraid also!
Q1The students in our school represent a wide range of political views. There are ample amount of students whose own views are represented by each of the current U.S. presidential candidates. The rhetoric from the campaign and certainly energize students to engage in discussions. These conversations can be heated however they remain civil with students choosing to respectfully disagree with each other.
Q1Yes, in [my] school district, elementary students put on a play about Arkansas, which included Bill Clinton from Governor to President. There were other parents who booed and mocked those little kids because they are against Hillary.
Q1I see that my students are actually getting more informed about what is going on.
Q1The rhetoric has affected my emergent bilingual students. They are concerned for their families and themselves. They worry about the life their families have started to build. They want to be here, but also want a nation of inclusivity and hope.
Q1The fragile delicate sensibilities have reduced robust dialogue. Grow up, it's going to be a long hard life if you can't tolerate different views. Nobody's going to hire you with a shelf for your participation trophies or a safe space in the conference room.
Q1It has angered and scared them.
Q1A Muslim student of immigrant parents was very uncomfortable this winter with things she heard other students say.
Q1I have Latino students who carry their birth certificates and social security cards to school because they are afraid they will be deported. They are very worried for their parents as well, and scared that they will be separated.
Q1They are appalled by it actually. We all are.
Q1Our community is of African-American and Latino population, with some families that are of Muslim religion but as a school we keep everything calm. The week of unrest in Kansas City, prior to Missouri primary we were on spring break. So, I did not have time to discuss with my students.
Q1Some of the teachers become quite vocal about supporting the Republican Party and its anticipated candidate. They speak in a very xenophobic fashion about immigrants and that building a wall is a great thing to stop them from coming over.
Q1My students, especially my Muslim students, have expressed fear in what is currently happening in the political climate.
Q1Yes. To be truthful, my students are appalled and scared at the level of popularity of the Republican forerunner, Donald Trump. They can't believe that so many people are supporting him. I have many diverse students who have shared fear if Trump is elected.
Q1I have seen a lot more angry discourse. I have also seen a lot more anti-protest rhetoric. For example comparing #BLM movement to extremist groups stating that they are the same but on the other extreme. This makes me very nervous. It is a very divisive dialogue.
Q1Most of my students are immigrants or first generation Americans and they feel some of the candidates are racists. They are concerned about maintaining our two major political parties. At the beginning of every new class, they want me to give them an update of primaries/caucuses that have taken place. We also check the candidates' delegate counts and how many more delegates they need to obtain their party's nomination.
Q1It confuses the younger students and gives the impression that this type of rhetoric is a acceptable
Q1Although I teach English it has allowed me to address the need for critical thinking in a real time environment. My students are learning to truly evaluate what someone says whether that is in print or in a speech. Currently we are doing a mock trial putting an idea on trial: "Should a juvenile ever be tried as an adult?" this is an extension of a justice module that is part of the Expository Reading and Writing curriculum created by The California State University system to address the lack of skills seen in freshman English classes. I teach adults returning to school to get a High School Diploma or GED. I feel it is extremely important to help these people gain skills that allow them to make better personal decisions whether they are moving on to college or joining the work force. We talk about the campaign almost every class session and I love hearing students analyze the candidate speeches. I want all my students to be able to advocate for themselves and for others. The future is theirs.
Q1My students, being over 95% Hispanic, are highly aware and fearful over the rhetoric displayed by the Republican Party. They have asked about the possibility of forced and mass removal of immigrants. Even those who are legal citizens are fearful of their status, their way of life if any of the Republicans, but especially Trump, is elected. We relayed these discussions into knowing history and where things like this have occurred in other times, e.g. Nazi Germany and Hitler. I also used the opportunity to tell my students that participating in civic processes is the best antidote to something like this occurring in our time. And, we discussed the importance of local and state elections, in addition to national presidential election.
Q1I believe many students and their families are sick of politicians' actions, want honesty and integrity in office,
Q1Some of my students express a dislike of Trump because they say he is "racist" and "hates Mexicans."
Q1Some students are afraid of what would happen if Trump became president.
Q1The students who are Latinos are extremely upset hearing statements like, "Mexico is sending us their rapists and criminals."
Q1Poor example of how adults especially those who believe they could possibly be an effective president should behave. They demonstrate the highest forms of bullying.
Q1After Mr. Trump won the Republican nomination in Massachusetts, several of our Muslim and (other) immigrant scholars feared what would happen to them and their families.
Q1We have a student who has expressed his feelings about Donald Trump and his brilliant idea building the wall to keep out Mexicans and the tracking of Muslims as he thinks they are all terrorists.
Q1Increase in hate speech. Threats able about what will happen when Trump is elected
Q1A student told another who is Mexican and used to be his friend that he wanted him deported after talking about the candidates in social studies. The student reported that he supported Donald Trump. I have another student at my school who is Indian that has been targeted because the other students perceive him to be a Muslim. He has been harassed by being called "Isis" and with students saying "Allah Akbar" to him, among other things. His mother confessed to me that they had considered moving because of it.
Q1My students have talked about the election and comments that the candidates have made. Most of them seem shocked by it.
Q1In our small, mostly liberal school, most response has been horror and distress.
Q1Students are more concerned...very anti Trump-from those that have said anything
Q1Some seem more willing to express their anti-Muslim or anti-immigrant views, whereas before I feel they might have kept those thoughts to themself.
Q1I have no specific reference but know after teaching for many years that certainly it reinforces attitudes that students bring from home. Remember we have a governor, Lepage, who claims that Trump learns his moves from him. We've been exposed to this for years and thought he couldn't be elected, let alone re-elected. This is the country that brought us not only Lepage, but Ventura, Faubus, Wallace, Swarzenegger etc.
Q1My students are angry about the things said by Republican candidates. They feel that the candidates (one of them especially) are racist and they feel demoralized.
Q1I teach at a historically black education institution and the backlash against Black Lives Matter movement has many upset and angry
Q1Yes, my kids are not pleased with all the fighting. I have not been able to show much, other than small clips on other specials without clips for the kids just don't want to listen to the badgering. Their questions are not being answered due to all the fighting.
Q1Yes, the kids boo Donald Trump. The rhetoric can't help but permeate the school, because no candidate really understands the education system.
Q1I have found that this year the students are very polarized in their discussions compared to the last election. It has helped to have them remember the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights when we talk about the political stance of candidates as well as the history of immigration faced by many of our ancestors.
Q1Not really. All our students are non-native English speaking immigrants.
Q1Students take what is said as fact.
Q1Students are caught up in "the fight" and enjoying the competition.
Q1It hasn't that I can observe.
Q1I teach 7th grade Civics and my students simply repeat what their parents are telling them. I have had more anti-Obama rants than I have the last 8 years. Donald Trump is a favorite among the 12-year-old boys. Imagine that. I have to caution the students to reserve their "opinions" for their own homes and friends. We are a very conservative, Baptist community and the religion issues are fueling a lot of their outbursts. We don't have any Muslim students at our school. Children come in talking about what "Trump said" and how we are taking our country back when he gets elected. My minority students (mostly Hispanic and multi-racial kids) are subject to their rants but it's like the kids don't even think of hurting their friends feelings, they don't see each other's color, I guess. No kids are targeted for harassment or anything, but kids don't think twice about spewing their racially charged, anti-Obama insults. As for the concern about the aftermath of the election. They are not scared of a Trump presidency. They don't want Clinton or Sanders there. They think our country will revolt if they do.
Q1The inflamed character of this political season is directly connected to the candidates. Their behavior is much more than mud slinging, and borders on verbal assault. Students repeating these words or the sentiments of their parents are asked to question if they believe or are repeating.
Q1Yeah, the Lamestream Media is still being lame. If it weren't for assholes like the entire ABC, CBS, NBC, MSNBC and CNN staffs, this would be a rather benign election year.
Q1Students are more engaged in following the election this year than in past presidential election years. I attribute this to campaign rhetoric that has caught their attention.
Q1I teach in a rural HS of 95% white, and many of them listen to their parents, lower socioeconomic class, and feed into Trump's rhetoric.
Q1I live in NH in a very conservative town.
Q1It makes them want to register to vote and participate if they are able!
Q1They call each other "idiots" and "assholes" based on political belief. They don't discuss politics, they scream them at each other. The "Donald Trump" kids decided that teachers who try to squash their hate speech
Q1They regularly comment that Trump is racist and not to vote for him. Today, during the pledge, one student added "and immigration reform" to the end.
Q1There is a boy from Mexico, who is a citizen, who is terrified that the country will deport him if Trump wins. He is also scared that kids and grown-ups can and will hurt him. This is horrible and immoral that the Trump is getting away with this incitement of violence and racism.
Q1Students are more open about what they hate. Likewise some of the staff voice their intolerant opinions.
Q1Yes, It has increased their interest in the campaigns and the process.
Q1African Americans and students of European background seem to argue about thing that didn't matter at one time between them.
Q1Students have become very hostile to opposing points of view, regardless of the topic. Any division seemingly now elicits anger and personal attacks.
Q1Students have been arguing with one another, reflecting the beliefs expressed by their parents. The arguing escalated to a point that we have been asked by our principal to encourage students to save political discussions for home with their parents and with peers outside of school. Teachers are shying away from discussing the democratic process as a teaching opportunity because what's happening does not incorporate values we want to teach our students.
Q1Kids are curious as to why some people dislike Trump or Sanders. Many believe Clinton is not honest.
Q1I have actually seen my students turn around their opinions since the beginning of the school year because they have noticed how crazy some candidates may sound.
Q1It is not rhetoric to me. I explain to my students that Trump is honest about how he feels and vents. What is worrisome is his followers! Additional, people of color have dealt with this type of hidden rhetoric historical but when whites experience the same thing, only now is it an issue and injustice.
Q1My students fear they will be deported if a Republican nominee is elected. They are fearful and aware of the voting rights that are being reversed in order to silence people of color because they cannot afford to travel or leave work to obtain DMV IDs.
Q1I have students from Iraq who are worried that they will be sent back if Trump wins.
Q1I see the kids having discussions about the elections.
Q1Students are actually discussing the political race for the first time since I've been teaching.
Q1Mostly, it is a parroting of one another’s rhetoric. One person says "fascist" and everyone joins in, without, I'm convinced, knowing what a fascist even is. My students believe a fascist is someone who disagrees with them.
Q1Yes. Students are talking about the election in almost every setting - in class, during passing, and during lunch. It is definitely something that is on their minds. They are worried about their futures, even if they can't vote yet. They are also making connections between school content and what they see in the news about the election. For example, as we are learning about Hitler's rise to dictatorship, students are making connections to Trump's campaign.
Q1Students are much more interested in what is going on. Students bring up Trump daily, and not in a positive way. Most are appalled at what they are hearing and mainly incredulous that it is being said. It is sad that they do not give any attention to the other candidates, however, even if they don't support them since it would be better for them to have a well-rounded understanding of the issues and people. Instead, they focus more on the sideshow aspects of the election, which has come, unfortunately, to make up a significant amount of what is shown on TV.
Q1NEGATIVELY. From wanted to escape Trump's dictatorship (if he is elected) to avoiding communism (if Sanders is elected) this election has negatively impacted my students view of our electoral process.
Q1I had a student beg me not to vote for Donald Trump because he would send her parents out of the country. Though her parents are most likely immigrants to this country, I have no reason to believe her parents are illegal immigrants. I never have told a student who I was voting for. I felt I had to answer her question privately and tried to assure her that I believed caring citizens would never let something like that happen.
Q1I hear a lot of discussion between students and staff members concerning behavior and outcomes--what might that look like?
Q1My students, and the students at my school in general, are quite anti-Trump. They are very vocal about it and they are very supportive of Bernie Sanders. Again, it is an extraordinarily liberal school.
Q1Civil discourse is always a challenge. In my opinion, I see that more and more at our school, whether it is related to the election, reality TV, or just rudeness...I don't know.
Q1I have only mentioned the election several times. I do not want to offend my white middle class students who come from conservative backgrounds but I still feel compelled to at least get them thinking a bit about the potential harm a Republican candidate could do to millions of school children.
Q1My school is completely comprised of Muslim and Mexican students, being in Arizona. They constantly ask why the American people want to kick them out. The students ask every teacher who they will vote for, when we respond that the information is private, they automatically assume we are voting for Trump and become confrontational. I have never seen my students so interested in the Presidential election, but I am worried that they may not be for the best reasons.
Q1We often overhear disturbing comments when Trump comes up in student conversations. It is in direct contradiction to the "kindness" initiatives we run in our middle school.
Q1My students are frightened as they are mostly Mexican-American.
Q1A lot of students go based on what they hear at home. There are a lot of "I hate Trump" comments.
Q1I have been recording delegates week by week. Junior Scholastic has been covering this election as well. Students in my room are required to present current events reports so no-I am not hesitant. Also have taught a lesson in "All it takes for evil to win is for good people to do nothing." Discussed what can good people do? Also discussed parallels to 1920's Red Scare and quota systems from that era OMG doesn't history repeat itself.
Q1It appears to be an unnerving experience to be a kid currently. My kids (gifted, mixed age, grades 3-5) seem to hear it all, and don't get how the messages coming from candidates works with how they are supposed to be nice to each other, share, not bully, welcome new comers, be excited about the kids who speak other languages, etc. It is very confusing. It is hard to use direct examples (like what the candidates actually say) to analyze. So we have resorted to looking at history. Lots of examples and sometimes the kids even say things like, "Wow, Donald Trump sounds a lot like George Wallace." Scary, but great connections for the kids to use as their own foundation for understanding the current state of affairs.
Q1Although I teach English it has allowed me to address the need for critical thinking in a real time environment. My students are learning to truly evaluate what someone says whether that is in print or in a speech. Currently we are doing a mock trial putting an idea on trial: "Should a juvenile ever be tried as an adult? " this is an extension of a justice module that is part of the Expository Reading and Writing curriculum created by The California State University system to address the lack of skills seen in freshman English classes. I teach adults returning to school to get a High School Diploma or GED. I feel it is extremely important to help these people gain skills that allow them to make better personal decisions whether they are moving on to college or joining the work force. We talk about the campaign almost every class session and I love hearing students analyze the candidate speeches. I want all my students to be able to advocate for themselves and for others. The future is theirs.
Q1I teach younger students so I have not heard too much from them. They may also reflect their parents' views.
Q1Our administration would prefer we leave it off the table. That feels irresponsible, especially as a social studies teacher, but we do not know our hierarchy of obligations or how we will be backed up.
Q1Derogatory comments about women, fear of discrimination. We are studying WWII and the Holocaust. Many students are making comparisons of one candidate to Hitler due to similar comments. They are told to discuss it with their parents, as we will not discuss it in the classroom.
Q1Anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant sentiment has been expressed by a few students long before the election. I have had more students speak out against Trump and his ideas than I had speak against fellow students that would express similar ideas to Trump rhetoric. I have several students that are worried what may happen to them. I have others that claim they are moving to Canada.
Q1It has caused much fear.
Q1Our school has an ongoing focus on kindness. My students are quite concerned about the lack of kindness expressed in this presidential campaign. They are also frustrated that rather than discussing causes, impacts and possible solutions, the campaign focuses on "clever" but mean remarks, accusations, and comebacks.
Q1So far I haven’t heard too much negative from our students or teachers. We have many immigrant and Muslim families in our school, so far the student body seem to be as welcoming as ever at least so far.
Q1No. I teach first grade
Q1Not yet. This year in the state of Arizona all 8-12 graders must take the U.S. citizenship test. Students must pass this test with a 60% or better in order to get their graduation diploma. If they pass the test the first time then they do not have to take the test again. The question asked by some of my students is if they take this test now can this count towards their bid to achieve citizenship or do they have to take the assessment again?
Q1Fear, anger.
Q1Latino students asking, "Why does he hate us?" referring to Donald Trump
Q1Two different classroom fights have broke out when the election came up. Apparently, they started about "who" the students might vote for, when discussions got heated-it was too late. (Not in my class!)
Q1I work with English learners and one of my younger, second-grade students has said, " If Mr. Trump is president he's going to send us all back." She has talked about this daily and is very visibly upset. It is interfering with her learning in school and is frustrating to me because it's having such a great impact on her education. Regardless of what any teachers have told her she still is upset with what she has heard on the news. I have also heard teacher say that they believed that Donald Trump is correct and that we do have to be afraid of Muslims.
Q1My students are 4th graders and do not understand the complexities of what goes in to governing our country. With so much access to media on the internet they are exposed to hurtful comments that are discriminatory and don't understand why adults are saying these things when the myself and the school are teaching them to be open minded and respectful to those from all backgrounds.
Q1After teaching/ counseling for 45+ years, and still going strong, the worse affect that I am seeing is: * their growing distain & distrust for adults & our gov't leaders * reinforcing their beliefs that authority can be ignored * that being wealthy is the answer to so many of life's problems * that a majority of people would actually vote for a bigot, when students are taught that diversity is the foundation of our country. The speeches made by Trump are a real embarrassment to me, as I try to be a role model [I'm the same age as DT], and I try to teach truth and thoughtful discussion, instead of "one liners" that oversimplify complex issues.
Q1They are more interested in the candidates then the issues.
Q1I don't know how to present the hatred that Trump has built in his campaign.
Q1My Mexican students are very stressed and fearful of what the future will bring.
Q1Not only schools, but parks, stores, clubs, everywhere!
Q1Republicans vote for any person running in the party no matter what, and Democrats seem to analyze the issues more among all candidates. All Republicans in my school believe Clinton is a murderer & liar. They are afraid of Sanders & Trump but will vote Trump if he is the candidate. They say they will never vote Clinton. Democrats make their points with facts, while Republicans speak what they hear from TV. They are not open to any truth proven with facts. Students speak what their parents say at home. One student said her mom said Trump was a liar. The teacher told this student that Clinton was a liar & killer, that SHE killed 4 Americans. The student was very upset & confused behind this statement, so she asked another teacher in front of two other teachers who quickly told the student those facts are not true, and that our government works missions in a classified manner that allows for limited information being released about classified missions.
Q1So many of my students are truly terrified about what will happen to them and their families if any of the candidates on the right are elected. This is such a real and present danger for them and it is hard to talk about in an objective manner.
Q1I think that because we address it in our classroom students feel safer about expressing their own feelings. Again, this is DC and most of my students belong to politically cognizant families.
Q1My 5th graders got in a fistfight on the playground yesterday. It started when one of the boys quoted Donald Trump.
Q1The word "racist" has become a popular saying with the middle schoolers. Political discussions in the classroom keep coming back to calling various political people racist. My middle schoolers all tend to agree that Trump shouldn't be president. Discussions are more about the inflammatory things he says rather than what he or other candidates stand for.
Q1Students echo what they hear at home. Fortunately, most of my students' parents are fairly liberal in their political views, but several parents are strongly supporting Mr. Trump and that reflects in what students say.
Q1Stress and anxiety over this election is very apparent in my students. They express great dislike for Donald Trump's rhetoric.
Q1Students argue if someone says they support Trump. Lots of anger and animosity. No respect.
Q1My students have been very vocal about their disdain for the republican candidates due to their hateful rhetoric towards immigrants and Muslims in our country.
Q1We have surveyed our students and they will make comments like why do they have to come here. We spend every Wednesday, which we call Socratic Wednesday, in my five Holocaust Studies classes talking about the election process, the candidates and the comparisons made to Hitler by republicans about Obama and democrats about Trump. We invited a politically involved Holocaust survivor to speak to my students last week who spoke of his concern about the apathy he sees when it comes to speaking up about Trump's racist, misogynistic, violence-inducing rhetoric. Students send me links to articles and videos that we share in class and discuss. My students are becoming aware of and informed about the political process and the importance of becoming knowledgeable in order to engage in political discourse without closing their minds to the views of others. Knowledge is power, but speaking up when we see danger is more powerful.
Q1My students are paying attention to politics and elections for really the first time in their life. They are shocked and dismayed at the xenophobic comments and the lack of specifics in the political rhetoric they are examining. I thought they would be turned off from voting but they are actually more determined than students in the past. However, they are or feel they would be voting to stop specific candidates rather than in support of a candidate and their ideals.
Q1Most of what I've heard is from my older students, who are eligible to vote this year. They are struggling to find a candidate that represents their views. And struggling to decide between the "lesser of two evils". They want to start a dialogue about it with their teachers, but we're prohibited from sharing our views.
Q1Absolutely.
Q1This year the government classes did a presidential debate wherein students drew names and adopted the demeanor and rhetoric of each candidate. Many said it was hard for them, but they did an excellent job and to see the girl from Ecuador promoting Trump's wall was a learning experience for all. I think the debate was cathartic for the students who are fearful.
Q1Simply fear about what will happen to our country and to them (white rural kids for the most part, who see themselves as connected to others) if Trump is elected, or even if he keeps on with his dangerous rhetoric.
Q1My students whose parents are Mexican immigrants have expressed concern that "Donald Trump hated us."
Q1I have heard them discussing this year's election more than I have in the past years of teaching. Lots of laughing about Donald Trump, then there are those students who love Donald Trump. I suppose it depends on what they hear at home.
Q1Yes, my students are aware of some of the disparaging remarks that have been made by one candidate in particular. Some don't understand why someone would want to build a wall to keep "some people out of this country."
Q1Yes
Q1Honestly, I consider myself lucky. The students in my school seem to be as alarmed as many adults by the tone of the campaign and the intolerance vented by Donald Trump. They started the year joking about him. Their tone has turned somber with concern over what will happen if he's elected. This was unexpected; I teach freshmen!
Q1African American students seem agitated when the election comes up and get visibly upset and concerned when a news clip from student news shows charged rhetoric from the extremist candidates.
Q1I find my students and parent in a high alert stage due to presidential campaign rhetoric. People are scared and angry. People who I would of called friend (colleague) have turned on each other with nastiness not professional at all. I think these open displaces of prejudice are playing out in our society as well as the classrooms around America. I think people are feeling that we are going backward instead of forward. Racism rears it ugly head again in a nasty way for the less fortunate and they is no one standing up for any cause but greed.
Q1Yes, we have had to teach allot more about stigma and how words affect others, as well as racism and stereotyping.
Q1My students are very soured toward the election, but also just the state of our nation.
Q1ESOL students feel more vulnerable.
Q1Our immigrant students are afraid of what might happen to them. Our poor children are confused.
Q1Many of my students have expressed worry about their lives and the lives of their families. I think many students are bonding over this.
Q1We have not talked about it in class since the beginning of the year. I don't think I would be able to have an unbiased conversation about it.
Q1Based on the behavior of the major candidates, students are getting the message that bullying is okay and you can insult anyone at anytime without repercussions.
Q1Fear, confusion, accepting things as truths that are not true
Q1I work with young adults with cognitive disabilities, and they are confused and frightened by what they see in the media. It is hard to teach about the election process because they cannot move past the fear. Even students with families who are here legally are worried about what will happen to them. In addition, I advocated for several of the higher functioning students to register to vote, thinking that being able to use their voice might help, however, some closed minded case managers felt that helping registered to vote was inappropriate due to the volatility of the election.
Q1It has absolutely created a sense of anxiety among our Mexican students. They fear what will happen to their families. My Black students are also concerned for their safety because of what they see on TV at Trump rallies. My White students are concerned for their friends.
Q1Trump’s rhetoric has specifically increased the students' use of the word racism.
Q1We have had an increase at our school in racist language when our tolerance levels were much better prior to the election starting we had kids Caucasian kids think it's OK to treat people minority status with disrespect and outright white supremacist racism because it's allowed on TV and Donald Trump is going to be president according to them we expelled at least one student for his behavior towards a black lives matter protest held by her social justice organization and I've had racial epithets scrolled on our district office since the election runoffs have begun.
Q1My students feel if Donald Trump becomes president, he will deport immigrants. They also feel he does not like Mexicans. They are learning this from their families.
Q1Some students say they believe it is ok to "tell it like it is" without regard to how their words and behaviors impact the person hearing their hateful words.
Q1A nine year old African-American student asked me, "Can the new president change laws? My brother and I are afraid we will have to go back to segregation and we don't want to."
Q1Not really yet.
Q1Students seem more aggressive and are more verbally abusive.
Q1Students often get angry about what they hear from the Republican side. The election is generally being kept low- key at school this round. Our population is 85% Hispanic with large enrollment of Mexican children.
Q1We are a small, rural community and affect has been minimal.
Q1Some are entertained by Trump and co. They don't take them seriously
Q1I have had students legitimately concerned, to a point that it is affecting their academic and social life, about how the election, and more specifically who gets elected, will directly impact their home life. As an example- the highest achieving boy in my class has shown particular concern about the upcoming election. He is Hispanic and is always asking me questions about, and worrying about what will happen to him if a particular candidate gets elected. He has told me he can't sleep at night because he's worried that his family will be sent away in November. He struggles with his choice of leaving with them to stay connected, vs. staying in the states to "get the best education possible". It is completely and utterly heartbreaking to see a 10 year old so concerned with such adult issues.
Q1Our Latino students are anxious and vocal about their fears. Teachers in grades as young as kindergarten are hearing students talk about the issues. The name Trump is heard in hallways, cafeteria and classrooms daily. The term immigrant has acquired a negative connotation for students.
Q1My Hispanic students are very aware.
Q1Most are keyed into Trump's racist & anti-immigrant talk. Those who have immigrants in their family, or who are not white, are upset and worried. Sanders is the candidate I hear the most support for.
Q1The Republican rhetoric has fueled discussion about immigration and how undocumented immigrants are seen by the media and society as a whole.
Q1Students seem more interested in the candidates but not necessarily the issues.
Q1Students are keenly interested re: much-hyped "sound bites" -- yes, especially by Trump. Also, although many fewer, some students are genuinely intrigued by the Sanders campaign....
Q1Absolutely. Students are incredible pro- or against- Donald Trump, and speak in an aggressive and at times violent way about their sentiments (i.e. "I want to kill Trump")
Q1They are concerned about the election, but not really concerned about what will happen after the election. If anything, I would say that they have become interested in the election for the first time & I have been answering more questions concerning the election process. My students, all Hispanic, have definite opinions concerning the candidates, which is unusual. Other election years, they rarely expressed opinions about US politics.
Q1I am a University teacher educator who works with pre-service and in-service teachers. As we are in full support of anti-bias curriculum, teacher candidates and I have had conversations about the impact of the 2016 presidential election on children and youth. Because anti-bias is an activist, proactive way of addressing incivility and discrimination, we openly state that the presidential candidates do not represent our values, and each in his/her own way, has lost our respect. There are individuals who serve as role models for us all, however, they are far removed from the political arena -- even though they are activists (i.e. Malala). In my curriculum course we follow Teaching Tolerance as the TT resources help students with the college's core values under the catch phrase CALLED to LEAD (Change Agents, Life-long Learners, Embracing Diversity as Teacher Leaders). Silence can mean compliance and children and youth must understand that what is happening is inappropriate.
Q1The students believe everything the candidates say even if they have been fact checked otherwise.
Q1I am lucky to be at a school where social justice and equality are our main focus. Also, being in Brooklyn, we have exposure to a broad range of skin colors, beliefs, and languages, so mostly our students show curiosity & excitement when seeing or meeting someone different. Political outrage and fear are common themes in student discussion, but mostly directed at the far-right fascist fringe that seems to have taken root in our country.
Q1Neither. Mostly I hear kids and adults say how disgusted they are by the childish and asinine antics of the Republicans. I teach an advantaged group of eighth graders. We are not particularly diverse and are mostly white Christians in a very red state. Our kids recently took a straw poll and 34% voted for Sanders, 29% for Clinton, 18% for Trump, 13% for Cruz, and 5% for Kasich.
Q1The children have been saying more inflammatory things to each other. So far most kids call each other on it, especially stereotypes and racial/religious profiling. It is both sad to see the new behavior, and it is very hopeful to hear them be called out by peers to correct it.
Q1The non-Muslim students (a school of all international students) are being kind and supporting the Muslim students. They are defending them and they are learning about them.
Q1Many of my students are afraid or unsettled; my younger Arab students are convinced that Trump wants to kill them and all Arabs. I have heard a lot less talk about who kids' parents plan to vote for than I usually do in election season. They seem to be taking it as a taboo subject.
Q1Absolutely! My kids are really upset. They don't understand how even a few of our teachers could be supporting Trump. Neither can I, for that matter.
Q1Discouraged -- we all are. How can a bigot get so far in a wonderful country with citizens I thought more highly of?
Q1YES!! A lot of vitriol has been repeated in the classrooms and hallways. I repeat "Integrity is doing what is right even when people are not watching." Tag lines that I can think of from the top of my head include, "Women shouldn't be leaders", "All politicians are liars, lian' Ted, HiLIARy, all of them" "Islam hates us", anything about "the wall"
Q1Most are afraid of their family members who are no legal citizens may be sent back to Mexico.
Q1Most feel connected to Bernie Sanders
Q1Some students find some outrageous candidates funny and imitate what that person is saying. I don't think they understand the ramifications, but I know it must make some people feel uncomfortable and unwelcome.
Q1Trump’s rhetoric has specifically increased the students' use of the word racism.
Q1A boy brought a knife to school to protect himself against "the Muslims". His teacher had to move her Muslim students away from him for their safety.
Q1My students consist of (literally) two African American children and about 15-20 Mexican students. The rest of the 70 are white. We are in rural SC. Most of my students are great kids who try to get along with others. I see, however, some of the ones in our school who would be susceptible to Trump's rhetoric feel more willing to speak out in ways that are not appropriate. It occurs to me that kids would get in big trouble if they speak the way he does.
Q1Some of our students are truly becoming engaged in dialogue surrounding racism and Islamaphobia. I also think that many of our Somali and Muslim kids are taught or don't feel comfortable speaking out about their discomfort. Some of that might be cultural, feeling safe in the environment (both school and in the U.S. and some is connected to being English Language Learners.
Q1Some of the students are certainly talking about it actively
Q1No
Q1We are having problems in our town because our Muslim community members are trying to build a community center and hate has been a problem.
Q1I teach American Government & Civics, so my students discuss politics and currents events daily. A few have shared stories about how they have been singled out by law enforcement while driving through "white" areas (Hispanic students). Others have experiences rude comments and lack of service while shopping or at restaurants (these tend to be women wearing hijabs). Students from Western or Southern Asia are most concerned about these incidents increasing. Many are worried about their ability to gain employment after completing their studies.
Q1Mostly the kids’ comments lead me to believe what I think: how can he say what he does?
Q1I work in a diverse urban school district we usually have civil disagreements over positions, this year the pro Trump folks are being attacked (verbally) and are no longer willing to speak. I find myself in the ironic position of defending their right to be heard.
Q1They are vocally anti-Trump, even able to laugh at things he says...They easily recognize hate speech, but their tendency is to mock him, rather than take him seriously.
Q1Most of my students are of Mexican descent. They feel hurt and confused. They are children and are afraid of what a "bad guy" could do to them and their families.
Q1My students, predominantly African-American, express dismay and fear at the prospect of Trump becoming president. Many repeat the belief that Trump intends to "send them back to Africa."
Q1I work in a very multicultural climate. My Muslim students (elementary school) have expressed concern about their future. They hear it on the news and in the political debates. We have not stopped talking about the issues. In fact, we have talked about them even more.
Q1Students are becoming more informed in regards to the presidential campaign, candidates and their ideologies, and the political sphere in America.
Q1A lot of my students are undocumented as are their parents.
Q1They are terrified with the idea of Trump becoming president they want to talk about the Constitution everyday!
Q1They are shocked at the bigotry coming out on TV and Internet-- we discuss it in class. Thankfully, none has experienced anti-immigrant sentiment personally.
Q1My students believe that if elected, Trump will "take away our food stamps", "send us back to Africa" and "Build a wall".
Q1I find it difficult to answer students questions and explain to them why some of the things they here Presidential candidates say, if they said at school they would be disciplined and the person running for president is not.
Q1It has only made my students more interested in the outcome of the election.
Q1Students are more willing to openly address issues in a negative, confrontational manner.
Q1Not really. I teach 2nd grade.
Q1My 3rd graders are predominantly Mexican-American and they definitely make comments about how Trump wants to send their families back to Mexico. They clearly have heard that he is racist and not supported by their families. I haven't heard much on the other side, though.
Q1I teach at a high school overseas where students have family in the United States or go there for tertiary education. One student has said if Trump is elected she would rather go to Canada to attend college. Other students are concerned that it will be difficult for them to get student visas; so they are looking towards attending university in the Netherlands or staying in the Caribbean region. As an American overseas, I am asked by my colleagues how something so negative can be happening. Even seventh grade students are concerned about the negative statements about immigrants.
Q1None. We encourage open discourse
Q1YES! My students are having a very difficult time understanding what they are hated so.
Q1They have lowered themselves to the level of some of this year's candidates and it is hard to try to correct them when it's the adults in our nation, those seeking leadership positions, who are setting this bad example.
Q1Some students have outrightly expressed fear and incorrect information in regards to American foreign policy, certain racial/ethnic groups, and current legislation (both in affect and proposed) regarding effects stemming from current events worldwide.
Q1Yes. It seems that many students and families are staying informed. We have more discussion AND DISAGREEMENT with my AP students.
Q1My students have reacted very negatively to certain candidates, namely Donald Trump. I teach at a Title I middle school, high population of Hispanic students. There's been quite a bit of commentary to news clips as well as questions and discussion in my social studies classes, especially regarding Trump's negative characterization of Hispanic immigrants and his promise of building a border wall between US and Mexico.
Q1My students have been asking more questions and are more eager to learn about the Electoral College.
Q1I have a student who is an immigrant from Africa make "jokes" about how his family will be deported if Trump becomes president.
Q1My ESL students come to class with more anxiety and wonder where they should move to next since returning to their home countries is almost always not an option.
Q1They repeat things they hear from the candidates.
Q1Fearfulness.
Q1At a school field trip to an ice skating rink with Trump's name on it one student told another student that a sign that said "No M's" meant "No Muslims". In class when immigration, terrorism or presidential politics come up, students express a lot of anger and frustration toward Donald Trump.
Q1My students are immigrants or children of them. They are upset by Donald Trump and his rhetoric. They are worried that even if they came here legally, Trump wants them out.
Q1My students are less open to ideas other than those they hear at home.
Q1A 4th grade student said his family was for Trump because "Muslims kill all the Christians." Two black 4th grade students discussed plans to move to Canada if Trump is elected because they don't think they'll be safe.
Q1ELL students are fearful and have anxiety when they hear comments about a wall or being deported. They immediately feel like unwelcomed guests - shifting their eyes and body. Caucasian students do not...as if they feel a sense of entitlement. The children are only repeating what they've heard adults say, and as the teacher it is promptly corrected. Once the words are out though, they can't be unheard.
Q1It has overall been negative. How do you teach students about the "democratic"' process when the major candidate of the Republican Party has such racist, sexist, and anti-immigrant views. At my urging our middle school principal discussed that we were a school that welcomed and affirmed all students regardless of religion. We have a few Muslim students, and our concern was that the harsh rhetoric from the Republicans was making these students feel alienated from our community and nation. I have never seen anything like it in my life and I am disgusted.
Q1We ask. We discuss. We go back to the Constitution for evidence to confirm our beliefs. This is Vermont. Many feel the Bern.
Q1Students speak in terms of who is a liar and mimic words from the candidates. Our young children mimic the candidates in their language and accepting that their words are based on facts. They seem to be more blind about choosing sides than they were in the last election. They also speak in absolutes as opposed to being open to seeing the candidates as having some strengths as well as weakness.
Q1They are increasingly political (which is good), but the extreme rhetoric being modeled is not helping their ability to utilize reason and evidence, rather than replying in kind.
Q1My students go home to watch the news with their families on their own. They ask for permission to research and blog about political candidates and speeches every day, something that was unheard of before in my 19-year teaching career!
Q1We are all still tiptoeing around the topic. It is so inflammatory that no one wants to even discuss it. Not good when we should be talking about issues.
Q1Not yet--but I anticipate such.
Q1I've had students who wanted to tell inappropriate political jokes, and couldn't understand why they were inappropriate to tell at all, much less in a 6th grade classroom.
Q1Openly racist statements towards Mexican students have increased. Mexican students are worried about Trump.
Q1Students are harsh toward one another when discussing the campaign, and less open minded.
Q1No grey area. Either students are empathetic or anti anyone different
Q1I think phrase "do what I say, not as do" fits pretty well.
Q1Yes, students are not happy with the language of Trump, especially the Hispanic students. The females in the classes are horrified and angry about the lack of respect for women coming from the Republican side of the campaign.
Q1Yes, like never before. It's chaos and creating fear in humble people. I’m afraid that all the good from President Obama will dramatically change for my students.
Q1When we talk about Presidential election they express fear. Some teachers are expressing culturally incompetent reactions to conflicts in the classroom. This has put a divide in one of or middle school classes.
Q1Insensitivity among staff and students. Division, restlessness, name calling, etc.
Q1I see an increase in racism this year. This may be attributed to many things, but I wonder if those who have those thoughts feel more comfortable saying them now. There is more anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim and anti-black statements.
Q1No. I teach adults and most have never voted or paid attention to the process
Q1Students are very engaged, are watching the election media. They want to discuss, understand better, and to be involved in the election process. Students are critical of the negative and offensive rhetoric that they hear from candidates. They are not embracing it. There are many students expressing their support of Bernie Sanders because he seems compassionate and accepting of others.
Q1The one positive I can identify from this election is that it has increased civic engagement amongst my students. They WANT to know how primaries and conventions look, what limitations on a president's power exist, and what other elections have been so outrageous. I do teach honors and AP level high school students, so my perspective may be a bit skewed, but I've been happy that they are at least curious and want to know more.
Q1I would love to share a quote that one of my students with high functioning autism shared with me. "It is like Donald Trump is passing gas on the entire country." :)
Q1Race relations, social economic status and religion are very touchy subjects. Hateful comments are being made, misogyny is apparent and a lack of historical knowledge surrounding different groups.
Q1My students constantly ask questions, and want to know what might happen to their (mostly immigrant) families. I want to respect the opinions of all while educating my students about current events.
Q1They have a tendency to want to shout over each other like Trump and say mean things. They are mimicking Mr. Trump's rudeness towards others. It increases hurt feelings and bullying. They speak in absolutes about their candidate of choice. No room for discussion. This is in 4th grade!
Q1Students laugh at the ridiculousness and immaturity of the candidates in the ALLEGED debates.
Q1Students arguing about the statements made by Trump or how he is expressing the voice of the people is difficult to control or direct in a positive direction for students are quoting what they hear and see which is troublesome and difficult to clarify for them.
Q1I have heard racial slurs used that were not said before the presidential campaign started. We teach about acceptance, appreciation, educating oneself and embracing each other's similarities and differences but the campaign appears to come off as creating s complete opposite belief.
Q1Students are not taking the election process seriously. The notion that a woman is running for president is completely lost on them.
Q1Students are using more hate language than I have ever heard at our school before.
Q1My students spoke out against Trump's racist ways and another student said his father will vote for trump.
Q1I teach in a very diverse school in which students are very tolerant, Mexican and Muslim students are fearful of what might happen to them and their families.
Q1Many of the students I work with do not listen to the news or actively try and research what is going on politically in this country. I am very concerned about this. Unless the information is easy to get to there is no interest. Have other teachers and counselors experienced this behavior? I have brought up the election as a topic for discussion in groups but as a way to get my students speaking up about a subject of interest.
Q1This incident exemplifies the atmosphere the 2016 presidential election has created in my urban school: One day after calling one my 3rd grade readings group, one student sat down and stated in a very loud voice, "Donald Trump is a racist! He hates black people. That's bad!" When that type of discussion filters down to third graders, the atmosphere is certainly different. I'm not afraid to teach the election. I feel it is my job to teach about it and help to filter out the ridiculous name-calling and hate mongering that the candidates are engaging in. I have heard no racist comments from students or parents, but there is some fear and raw nerves among my students and their families. I feel embarrassed for our country. What a ridiculous display they are putting on for the whole world.
Q1I teach high level students and the conversations among them have had a definite tone of hopelessness with any of the candidates. They feel that none of the choices will be good for the country and their futures.
Q1Disenfranchised students are displaying and discussing feelings of hopelessness Privileged and unprincipled students are making more and more rude comments towards the disenfranchised peers.
Q1My students, who are predominately African-American, worry that if Trump gets elected they will be deported to Africa.
Q1Students whose families support the GOP are embarrassed.
Q1I have had some students quickly lean towards one political party/candidate simply because they yell and "tell it like it is." However, I have had to quickly redirect and explain to students that even though it may sound appealing, there is no actual basis to that particular argument.
Q1Yes, they seem very upset about the whole thing and confused.
Q1The staff has become bolder in statements they make supporting Trump's ideas. Students, especially our Latinos & Muslim students, are very much against the hatred spewed in this election campaign.
Q1The fear is very visible. You have many that fear for their future education. We have many that are facing uncertainty in gaining admissions because colleges and universities that accept DACA students are putting them on hold because if Republicans win they are concerned they cannot accept DACA or Dreamers? That is very sad news to hear. You also hear grade school/middle school level students afraid of having to leave the US because of the rhetoric being spread about immigrants and walls, etc. This is just adding more pressure and concerns to many students it needs to stop! It is totally out of hand and sad.
Q1The rhetoric has caused our students to be concerned about their future as well as their parents’.
Q1Lots of negativity about the candidates and the way they speak.
Q1Despite efforts to thoroughly explain the voting powers our students possess, they still seem to feel either powerless or disengaged.
Q1I have seen a big increase in anti-Muslim sentiment since this fall. In nearly all of my classes we have discussed stereotypes about the religion of Islam and its followers in hopes to dispel some of this attitude.
Q1My students are critical of Trump, but don't really know much about the other candidates. It's also difficult to talk about the tweets and sound bytes without background info for the kids.
Q1Some students are worried about being returned to Mexico.
Q1A few of our students, particularly of Muslim and Latino descent have expressed concern over what the future may bring.
Q1No. They do discuss the immaturity of some of the rhetoric presented by "adults".
Q1Many of my students were concerned about a lot of the rhetoric that is being stated by the GOP.
Q1The is lively debate among the students about who should be able to run for president, the discriminatory statements made by some and why someone would support them
Q1They are completely immersed. They engage in intense debate about it in and out of the classroom. I see my role as helping them do so respectfully and from an informed perspective. This fits well in our discussions of what it means to be a citizen.
Q1I teach in a private school that is pretty liberal and strives to be inclusive. It is predominantly white. My African American students seem to be paying the most attention and really want to talk about the election. Presumably this is because they feel it has much more bearing on their lives. I think they feel a bit frightened.
Q1It maybe not seen but I know that parents might be concerned.
Q1Yes, anti-immigration policy of Trump since our school resides in Manhattan, New York area. We have students primarily from the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Columbia and Puerto Rico. We have few from Spain (as well).
Q1Yes we have a strong commitment to get out the vote.
Q1There is lively debate among the students about who should be able to run for president, the discriminatory statements made by some and why someone would support them.
Q1I am a college counselor. Most students comment that they are amazed at the republicans for sinking to new depths in their election strategies.
Q1My students are speaking out against a candidate in ways I have not heard before. They do not like the racist attitudes exhibited by Donald Trump.
Q1Many of them are afraid of being sent back to Mexico with their parents if Donald Trump wins. I have expressed to them that we are a country with checks and balances, and he must have the approval of the senate and congress before he can make the kinds of changes that he is proposing. We are not a dictatorship.
Q1I teach 2nd graders, and I have not noticed the campaign to be affecting them. I have however, noticed it affecting other teachers, in that they seem to be ashamed at what they see from the people we are to choose from for our next president.
Q1Yes. Many are expressing concern of how we are viewed overseas and how certain groups are being stigmatized or targeted.
Q1I have students whose families are immigrants and they fear their futures
Q1Yes, they seem to talk more smack than any other previous years in the past.
Q1My students are fearful that our country will become a Nazi state with Nazi ideals. They fear for their families, themselves, and that they will be treated poorly by the American citizens they live with.
Q1By verbal outbursts
Q1I love teaching elections and the questions are less about the process and more about the character of the candidates.
Q1My school has a very large population of immigrants, mainly Somali and Muslim. We have been identified as "racially isolated" by the federal government, so that means we have more students of color than other schools in our district. We are also a Title I school, which tells you about our poverty levels of families. All of this in a changing culture, much of this is "new" to our teachers (changes occurring over the past 8 years). Lots of white privilege and denial and talk of "those kids" or "those people". It is so disheartening. And the rhetoric of the election is just making things worse. I don't even go into the staff lounge anymore. I am amazed at how many teachers agree with the Republican ideology and rhetoric. Ugh.
Q1We teach that the media is at fault. They choose what you get to hear. Research for the Truth!
Q1I teach in a residential treatment facility, and most of the students are more concerned about themselves than the election. However, we watch CNN Student News for part of our English class, and I have heard comments at both ends of the spectrum about Donald Trump.
Q1I specifically teach special education to students with a Prek-2nd grade academic level. I am trying to share with them that we all have different beliefs and that they have the right to their beliefs but that they shouldn't hurt others with those beliefs. When all they hear is the negativity and the caustic words that even they know are mean and hateful they struggle with my teaching because others are not being so nice.
Q1There has been increase in racial slurs, arguing, and other behaviors.
Q1Misinformation abounds. Students believe a "billionaire" will make them rich and the only cost is xenophobia.
Q1The students in the school have very strong opinions and voices of candidates they do not like and are generalizing it to the entire political party.
Q1A lot of my students (and their families) are anti-Trump.
Q1Teachers in my area are avoiding teaching about the election, talking about the candidates or issues. The students mostly seem respectful of each other's views.
Q1Students do not engage in back and forth debate. They express one anti-Trump view only. They don't rally around anything they are "for"
Q1My Latino students are feeling particularly attacked, not by people in the school, but by Donald Trump. They have become more politically vocal as a result.
Q1It has captured students' attention.
Q1I think students have a clear understand of statements, falsehoods and innuendo that is being played out during the campaign. Students are taking solid stances on issues and candidates.
Q1Students are verbally worried about themselves or their family/friends having to leave the country if Trump wins.
Q1My minority students have made grandiose statements about the Republican primary candidates. They are fired up and feeding into the frenzy. I have to constantly remind them to research and validate their information.
Q1Not really.
Q1On a positive note, the students are more interested in this election than they have been before.
Q1They did not like Trump's words or actions toward the minority groups
Q1Not really. Although a few Muslim students have asked about candidates’ comments about the future of Muslims in America.
Q1I've heard so many of my students saying that Trump is the leader we need because he says things Americans are afraid to say. There seems to be less emphasis on actually substantiating a candidate's claims with evidence (especially Trump's), and I've found that students are repeating his mantras of violence and bigotry
Q1Yes, many of my students of color have asked me if I support Trump. I understand it to be a sort of litmus test for them. I have colleagues who will not answer the question but I will. I have never revealed which candidate I support but I made an exception this election cycle due to the extreme rhetoric of the campaign.
Q1My students are debating a lot more in class because what Trump says is creating dialogue amongst my students. The majority of my students share openly their disdain for Trump. There is a student in my class who is the only Trump supporter and I've had to teach the class and this child how to engage in civil debate.
Q1The only time the election was brought up in my class a student shared that she heard there is a man running for president named Donald Trump who is really mean.
Q1My students are confused as to how certain campaigns have been allowed to promote racism, violence, and hate. They are also beginning to question Muslim beliefs, and some are scared of the anti-immigration rhetoric
Q1Though I am an English teacher, this year students are asking me about politics, history and how to register to vote. I recently witnessed a group of young males during class who appeared to be off task. They were talking a bit too loud and seemed distracted. When I approached them, I realized they were discussing the differences between the democratic and conservative parties! Needless to say, I left them alone and emailed the government teacher with pride.
Q1My class is starting a Campaign for Compassion. We are using multicultural examples of teaching compassion, like the Cherokee Two Wolves story to focus our energy one compassion instead of hate and fear. 2 Muslim students and 1 Black student have been victims of bullying since he-who-shall-not-be-named took the pulpit and declared a war on brown people. Super not cool. We are extending our practice of compassion out to our community.
Q1Many of my Hispanic students have expressed concerns if Donald Trump wins and have made angry comments about him and his campaign, especially his negative comments about immigration.
Q1I have seen a difference in my Economics' classes in that they have been affected by the Great Recession. I see the students more puzzled at the rhetoric and seemingly acceptance of it as witnessed in the primary elections. I stress the importance of voting since typically, the majority voter is white and near or at retirement age. If they do not get the vote out, they lose their grounds for complaints.
Q1They are aware of it, but most are not okay with it. We have an excellent History and Civics teacher who engages them in a full range of debates and conversations about current events and issues, which I believe genuinely hits at the root of the issues. Students often parrot what their parents say, but by engaging in these constructive conversations with that teacher as well as in our Mentoring classes, everyone feels their right to speech is supported and it is a safer environment.
Q1Yes - my students have expressed their dislike for Trump and his rhetoric. My students have expressed their desire to attend his rallies to "fight," and they mean physically.
Q1Students are bold in expressing hateful ideas.
Q1I have seen a non-typical increase in interest in politics in recent months.
Q1It is clear that many of my students feel that a particular candidate's comments are offensive and they are not sure what to do. Some of them get very angry. We have discussed discrimination and equality in several of our units. Students always bring up a particular candidate during discussions about those themes.
Q1My students and classroom conversations in my school are taking place less than they normally would in an election year.
Q1Trumpism feeds their fears. The venomous poison every time he opens his mouth. Students model the rhetoric and hate of his speeches.
Q1Racial issues are always sensitive but I find myself either making excuses or apologizing for what's going on.
Q1Our students have come to consider hyperbole and augmentum ad hominem as normal political speech and logic. The media bombardment in order to advertise pharmaceutical cures and luxury cars has been in my opinion both the catalyst and sustaining energy of the campaign.
Q1We talk about the election nearly every day. My students are interested and scared and curious and confused. On a school level, this hasn't been a significant topic (yet.)
Q1They are very confused as to how these candidates have made it this far. They are concerned for their own safety. Most of my students are African American and are concerned about the candidates’ stance on Black Lives Matter and police brutality.
Q1The current political rhetoric is the opposite of the school values we try and uphold.
Q1Discussions at our institution have been around a balance of giving kids right to explore political issues and ideas but in a framework that isn't what is reflected in the current presidential campaign. We have hosted community conversations around how to help our kids and parents navigate the campaign.
Q1Yes. Muslim students are afraid - one student was preparing a speech for another class on keeping Muslims out of the country because they might be terrorists and keeping a watch on Muslims in country. Other students have stated out loud that Muslims are terrorists.
Q1Scaring the students making them wonder how this can be called a country of rights and laws
Q1Teaching the art of rhetoric with the sentiment lingering in their ears every time they turn on the news has made my job more difficult.
Q1Absolutely - especially among the boys (7th and 8th graders) my population (elite private elementary school) has embraced the rhetoric of Trump in a way I wouldn't have imagined nor anticipated. The parents are highly educated, world travelers and financial movers and shakers. This aspect of Trump's demographic is an ugly surprise.
Q1Yes, my students seemed to be fairly reasonable and coachable young people at the start of this year, but have become nervous and polarized by this election. I have no doubt that conversations they are having at home are further entrenching the students' responses. It's becoming difficult to have even simple conversations about current events.
Q1We have a large Muslim population at our school. They're uncomfortable with the direction the political conversation has taken.
Q1Not really affect but certainly interest my students. They have trouble understanding why some people are preaching so much hatred and why others listen to them.
Q1One faculty describes how he might have to move to Canada.
Q1We seem to be insulated from all this ugliness.
Q1No
Q1My students are more engaged this year than ever before!
Q1My more affluent students have mentioned family discussions about moving if Trump is elected. One girl's parents got her a passport for this reason. Students are on board for Hillary or Bernie.
Q1As a special ed. teacher it's difficult to teach social skills and anger management when candidates are setting a bad example.
Q1They laugh about it but kind of like it.
Q1I work with immigrant middle school students from many countries, with many from Mexico, Central America, and the Middle East. The students are angry at Trump's remarks and scared, too. Additionally, with the recent ISIS bombings, my male Muslim students are being called "terrorist" and "bomber". My Mexican students here illegally already feel like they don't have the same opportunities as their legal classmates.
Q1I have not seen how the rhetoric has affected my students.
Q1No
Q1Students think what is going on ridiculous
Q1My Muslim students express concern and fears in response to comments made by Trump and his supporters.
Q1Not much-- it has been much worse in the past when anti-LBGT sentiment was used a wedge-issue.
Q1They are actually paying attention! They feel involved, at least
Q1They are a little worried
Q1Use of rhetoric is not the same as proper discussion of the candidate's positions on these issues. I doubt that many include the words 'until we can figure out what the hell is going on' to Mr. Trump's 'ban' on Muslims. Proper teaching requires proper context. Do teachers mention how one candidate lied to the families of dead Americans and then lied about lying? I doubt that occurs often.
Q1Yes I have Muslim students and other minorities who are afraid they will no longer be able to safely stay in our country.
Q1My 3rd grade students have commented on Trump's bullying. They are afraid of what will happen to "the Mexicans" (their families). For our Open House many older students expressed these worries in the form of poetry.
Q1They are concerned. Whether they have heard this from their parents or they truly are listening, I'm not sure. One of my students is against who her father likes. That makes it hard for her, but she knows she is entitled to her opinion and that was a good outcome of our discussion.
Q1There is more fear for sure and caution and talk of leaving the country or fear.
Q1My students (7th graders) are focused on the horribleness of Trump and they feel they can say terrible things about him because he is saying terrible things about them (they are Muslim, Hispanic, immigrants, etc.).
Q1Some of my students have taken on the personalities of the candidates.
Q1We have the highest percentage of Hispanic students of any school in our district. I've never witnessed the outrage from children that I have in this election. Maybe it's because children are educated about bullying and are quick to recognize it. Maybe it's because the children are Hispanic and identify with the threats. Maybe it's because the white children in our class don't see race, they see friends, and worry whether their friends will be here next year. Children want to talk about it because they're taught to recognize and confront bullying. It's devastating when educators aren't allowed to have discussions with their students about this because parents think teachers have a hidden agenda.
Q1They are particularly responding to Trump statements about Muslims, Mexicans, etc.
Q1I teach at a Catholic High School and opinions towards minorities, etc. have not changed. Students are positive towards them, but concern is made in a positive manner about the harsh language and rhetoric and how it should be changed.
Q1Our student body is over 90% Hispanic. They have only two fears: that Donald Trump could become president and that they or their loved ones could be deported.
Q1I also teach AP government and we discuss the election often. Most of my students express frustration and disgust with Donald Trump. I am concerned that my inability to conceal my disdain for him has made it difficult for students to believe I will respectfully listen to their opinions, a behavior I think is crucial to model. However, I have had a few students express limited support for some of Trump's ideas, so perhaps I am doing okay.
Q1There is a generalized sense of fear and foreboding among students of color and other minorities, but this has only been heightened, not exactly caused by political rhetoric.
Q1Our students see the whole presidential campaign as a game, with the real common people having no real input.
Q1The insane comments and incorrect comments on common core being federal, when we all know the states' governors enacted this plan. I cringe when I hear politicians and news media convince parents about something that is not even true, AND not even in the best interests of their children. Sadly, this affects us in our golden years when these children grow up and run this country.
Q1It has only got students more interested in the campaign.
Q1Yes, my students are very affected by the rhetoric. Many of them feel apathetic about the election and find it disheartening to see so much name-calling and bullying happening in a presidential election.
Q1Students are using rhetoric they do not understand the implications of. The conversations are plainly xenophobic and racist. It is very hard to put a lid on that material and continue with learning.
Q1I haven't seen a difference this year.
Q1And I think we need to talk about how policies that are not being talked about by the candidates - how it works.... so how does NAFTA work, what kinds of environmental policies are hurting the environment and which ones are helping.... what are the policies that allow a disproportionate amount of men of color be arrested and placed in prison, what policies allow CEOs to earn so much more than hourly wage workers in the same company.... I think the candidates themselves don't talk about economic policies that perpetuate injustice.... so we focus on the inflammatory rhetoric - instead of the decisions and policies that support injustice.... don’t know how to articulate it.... but it feels like we are distracted by the circus instead of seeing what is really happening behind closed doors....
Q1My urban district is about 88% African-American. We do not have the language and hate of any candidates repeated at the high school where I teach in Ferguson, Missouri. However, I do hear students wonder if they are being let in on what all white people truly think and feel. This is so disappointing and hard to combat when another sound byte that's even more outrageous happens each day it seems.
Q1We as students have become afraid but sort of shocked at how many people actually buy Trump's propositions and think he will "Make America Great Again"
Q1No change at school, except some teachers feel as I do.
Q1Anxiety levels have increased in many black, Hispanic and Muslim students.
Q1Classroom teachers are reporting that students who had undocumented family members and relatives are afraid of what other kids will think of them if they find out. One student reported that she thought everyone hated her because her mother was illegal (4th grade) and she didn't want to come to school. Over 35% of our students are Mexican. I've never had this reported before this year.
Q1They are worried that they wouldn't be around their Muslim, Hispanic friends and that Trump only cares about the rich people
Q1Racial tension is at an all time high and parents are not having mature conversations with their children about it nor are they explaining the origins of the discourse.
Q1Anxiety levels have increased in many black, Hispanic and Muslim students.
Q1Many of our seniors are more interested on what Trump has to say than on what Bernie Sanders have to say
Q1My students are afraid other people in other countries will think all Americans behave the way some candidates behave and believe the way some candidates believe.
Q1It is more than mudslinging. Rhetoric now includes references and innuendoes that are not age appropriate to the general audience. Youtube, Instagram and Twitter make everything "live" and interactive. As the reality television unfolds, the youth filters it right along side pop culture icons the Kardashians.
Q1Yes, I have students who fear deportation, students who get increased scrutiny and harassment from peers because of anti-immigrant biases that are showcased in this campaign.
Q1My students are more vocal with their negative opinions regarding "them/ those people".
Q1Yes. Most of the students are fearful of Donald Trump. They dislike how he treats other candidates and the way he tries to bring everyone down that disagrees with him.
Q1A generally heightened stress; for most, that has devolved from attention to inattentive weariness; for some, that has devolved to edginess, easier raised voice, easier tense responses; for some, that has harmed the quality of relationships.
Q1Kids haven't turned on each other yet, but it has made it ok to say hateful things about Muslims and immigrants and the black lives matter movement. Why not? If a presidential candidate can say hateful things and get press for it, it must be ok. The adults in my town are even worse. People are showing their true colors.
Q1I haven't seen much in my school. However, in other places such as social media, I have read and seen very hateful things.
Q1As stated above, my students have used this year's debates as a lesson in what not to do!
Q1My grade 4 special ed students, who are usually not particularly engaged with our country's elections, have strong opinions and fears about this election.
Q1My kids whose parents support Trump have become less tolerant of Muslims and women. They don't seem embarrassed by the degrading things they say because they are just repeating what Trump says. Many of my kids want Sanders because he promises a lot of free stuff and don't realize that nothing is ever free.
Q1It really hasn't, but it should.
Q1I teach at a predominately poverty-stricken school with an 80% black student population. I have heard several students express concern that they believe if Donald Trump gets elected, that he will "ship them back to Africa." My students are also discussing which president would legalize marijuana, and give them free college education and assistance.
Q1Students seem more polarized in politics and are using the "buzzwords" when discussing political issues not a deep understanding.
Q1I teach in an elementary/middle K-8 school; it appears to me that the most significant impact has been the frequency of 'sound bite' clichés that students are repeating that they hear out of context, or isolated vs. connected to a larger idea, and then accept as true.
Q1Yes
Q1Students are disgusted by the hostile rhetoric.
Q1Yes, the kids (who self-identify as rednecks) are jeering to the teachers about Trump and make the Latin kids more reticent in class about it.
Q1For many it validates the idea you can say whatever you want and be powerful and popular
Q1My school is very diverse but typically is fairly balanced in their like (or dislike) for both Democrats and Republicans. Based on this year's election, there is a lot more conversation in the halls regarding their hatred specifically of Donald Trump. I've expressed that we all have a right to our own opinion regarding politics but that hatred doesn't help our situation. My middle school students have responded with "but he's trying to kick us out of the country or keep my father (mother, sibling, etc.) from joining me here". No other candidates are mentioned in a typical conversation. They are just fearful of what their lives will look like if Trump takes office.
Q1They're split down the middle. It is very difficult to discuss any of the presidential candidates that are still running because emotions are running extremely high. As a government teacher, I try to teach and discuss all sides (conservative, liberal, moderate) but inevitably, one student makes a comment and everybody wants to voice their opinion and it is not pretty. They also want me to discuss my political views - NOPE. I wouldn't state my political view anyway because I do teach government and because I know that the kids would tell their parents and the parents would have a field day accusing me of trying to influence their child.
Q190% of my children are Hispanic and from other countries, many of them have expressed their concerns.
Q1Muslim students/families are more uncomfortable.
Q1Campaign discussions shift to talk of how funny Trump is and how students hope he will win. When I try to bring up real world points about potential troubles if he were to lead our nation, the seriousness of the situation doesn't concern them.
Q1Students are more adamant and outspoken about their political choices than in the past. They are serving as election judges during the primary in Illinois. Students have attended rallies of the candidates both as supporters and protestors. A few have volunteered for local candidates.
Q1My Muslim students have been expressing concerns about perceptions of themselves and their religion
Q1I have actually brought up the inappropriate adult behavior to students when talking about bullying. It has only been during those conversations that the intermediate grade elementary students I work with have acknowledged knowing about what is happening in the campaign.
Q1As a music teacher, I don't necessarily have the chance to hear student opinion. My fifth graders, however, are writing their own songs for voice and guitar. Several in one class expressed an interest in writing about politics; most of what they are currently writing trashes one candidate in particular. Their classroom teacher, when asked about the circumstances, explained that they have a strong dislike for this candidate and his blanket statements. We now are working together to change their tone from express dislike to satire.
Q1Not that I'm aware of, I'm sure there's some resentment, however, my students no that that type of rhetoric won't be tolerated on this campus!
Q1My school is a majority minority population; more Hispanic/Latin students than others. They are disturbed about Trump's comments as many are not US American citizens yet.
Q1I have had comments such as, "I hope Trump gets elected so he can send you back to where you came from." Totally ignorant statements that don't even apply to the students who are being spoken to.
Q1There is a concern about being deported.
Q1My students have never been so interested in current events as they are this year! There are days when I come into the classroom and we spend the entire period talking about something that happened in the campaign that the students are interested in. We have been tracking the primary results every day and have been discussing major issues that our country is facing. Most election years, my 7th graders could care less about what was going on. This year is the complete opposite. If anything good came out of Donald Trump running for president it's that it promotes civic literacy for the next generation.
Q1Yes. We have an increased number of diverse students in our school in the past three years; many of them being of Muslim dissent from various portions of the world. Although our general population seems comfortable with this in front of adults, some of our Muslim and students of color reluctantly report the sentiments that are verbally expressed to them by their peers. There are jokes, sarcastic remarks, and inappropriateness displayed by students in a way that is meant to be covered up from teachers and staff.
Q1I have heard many students discuss concern that they or their families will be "kicked out" if Donald Trump wins the election. I have also heard some interesting discussion from my students around gender. I have students that strongly support Bernie Sanders, and I have heard them accuse Hilary Clinton supports of only supporting her because she is a woman.
Q1Yes. They're excited to vote.
Q1No, I have not seen any affects on my students.
Q1I do know that we had a County online mock election and one student brought in "Dump Trump" sign and most kids agreed. No one seems to like his attitude and words that he uses to demean other candidates.
Q1Frustration in getting accurate information on the candidate, and not the negative slants back and forth, Democrat and Republican both. Students truly are invested in this election, they want to have an impact, they want to make the most educated vote, but they are hesitant in voicing their opinions because of misleading media information and presentations. It’s that challenge that makes the classroom come alive with interaction and collaboration, and your program fuels their fire, and motivates their minds.
Q1Anytime I bring up the election students get fired up instantly about Trump. As a diverse community, they interpret him almost as an enemy.
Q1Staff is very concerned about the future of public education, if either of the Republican candidates is elected.
Q1Peace begins with each of us; in our speech, thoughts and interactions with others. I continue to talk to my students about respectful speech and disagreeing in a respectful way.... regardless of what others say and do; even those people in very powerful positions.
Q1They think it's funny, but not necessarily presidential. They've commented that the candidates talk like they do, and it's weird to them.
Q1We have been closely studying (historical and present day contexts of) immigration in my seventh grade WA State History class. The students are largely viewing the issues sympathetically (if not through their firsthand experiences!) although a number of students express their parents' more nativist views, even in spite of their recognition of the historical realities.
Q1Yes.
Q1I have seen it affect students but they are not doing complete research and finding out all the facts. Many rely on social media as a news source, which is alarming on many levels.
Q1Very difficult to pinpoint or share my knowledge, and views, because society and the media is into this propaganda, so the majority just rides this wave based on what is more popular.
Q1The rhetoric that is espoused by some of the candidates seems to create an environment where the line between free speech and outright disrespect has been breached. Students feel free to disrespect those who are in an ethnic minority. Islamaphobia runs high... I present many trainings on bullying, harassment and discrimination prevention. How can I encourage students and adults to embrace diversity when our "leaders" are undermining me every day?
Q1My students are middle school and lower level readers. They don't engage in conversations that expand beyond hair, clothes, or shoes.
Q1No, not to the point that it is causing issues on campus
Q1Not much with students. A great deal with adults in the building who are concerned about who will be elected this year.
Q1None
Q1Negative rhetoric surround candidates and students' self image - e.g. students that are first generation Americans; students of color
Q1Some students have been verbal about their support for Trump's stances on immigration.
Q1My kids are terrified of Trump becoming President. They believe he can/will deport them-- and NONE of them are Hispanic. They are ALL African-American.
Q1I was pleasantly surprised, by how many had questions on primary day, and how many mentioned who their family members support.
Q1Most of my students are anti-Trump rhetoric, but some of my students do support his policies but maybe not the way he talks about them.
Q1It seems like a cartoon show. Only it is sad to see so many lies and half-truths--who can we trust?
Q1I haven't brought it up.
Q1My students are trying to figure out how to live in the world, and I have seen them take a real interest in how voting and politics affect them personally.
Q1I work in an inner-city urban school. Students of color are afraid because they have relatives who live here that are undocumented. White students back Trump because they probably listen to their parents and think that the immigrants have stolen the White Privilege they were born with
Q1Students that once agreed with Trump now are questioning his antics as racist, wrong, and immoral.
Q1I intervened when a student called another a loser. I was told that if you run for president you can say that and he intends to run someday.
Q1I was teaching a fifth grade class about communication and conflict resolution. We were talking about how to use kind words and respect each other, even when we have differences. A student asked if we need to be kind to the presidential candidates and referenced the poor language and personal attacks he had seen on television.
Q1I do have a large Hispanic population in my classes. They have asked if Trump can actually do what he says. And our discussion starts there. However, we also talk about the correct/legal way to be in the U.S. I think the students' parents are more afraid than the students.
Q1We have had more discussions about the responsibilities expected of leaders - in essence, what does it mean to be a leader (as a child and as an adult). Kindness is always a focus and it has been a great opportunity for kids to recognize that there are adults, some in powerful positions, who are not kind and opened up discussion of how to deal with it. We have also had more meaningful discussions about "possibilities", or outcomes, and the impact it could have on our community of learners. The immigration struggle is very real in my classroom, as is the fear it stirs up and reinforces. Providing a safe place at school has rarely felt more important. Worldwide violence is seen by some of my 6th graders as a direct result of the disrespect spewed by the Republican candidates. Many of them have thought about the differences between President Obama's responses to such acts versus reactions of others, and how the negativity perpetuates the violence. We've had many discussions about it in class.
Q1I think the current political rhetoric is confusing students and adults about what constitutes "civil discourse," for example "if we all have the privilege of free speech then why are people giving Trump such a hard time," "should politicians take responsibility for the tenor of their comments," "why does Trump not denounce the violence that has been occurring at his rallies, doesn't that mean that he actually advocates for violence to support his ideals" etc.
Q1Yes, the rhetoric has affected many of the undocumented students and they fear deportation. Many teachers will discuss openly their political views and say they would like certain races to be returned to their country because they bring down the educational standards with in current school environment. It is sad to hear this especially with the population we address on a daily basis. We are a very multi-cultural school. Students here speak over 50 languages and come from all over the world.
Q1Yes, in fact a student commented on why Spanish is required in schools and wanted to construct a letter to Donald Trump, if he were to be president, to petition that there not be this type of requirement. As an ESL teacher, I took the opportunity to lead the class in a discussion on civil rights, humanity, immigration misconceptions, and value of culture and language. This was NOT planned, but I had to take that comment and use it as a teachable moment. Especially since I have a student in that class, who has recently immigrated to the U.S. from Columbia, and is a beginning English Language Learner! It was imperative that I made the connection to "immigrants" to their friend and peer, and how she works tirelessly to learn a new language while learning and competing with her peers academically.
Q1My students are very aware and point out the bully behavior that is being displayed by the candidates. They tend to argue amongst themselves about the candidates statements and if any student tries to defend a particular candidate, other students respond by calling them racists or other hurtful names.
Q1Students seem less and less trusting of government, candidates, etc. they seem to be tuning it out even more than ever.
Q1Not really--although students seem to be more aware of the political candidates and what they stand for.
Q1Students on both sides are angry. Progressive students are astounded at the hate. Conservative students feel the need to be more entrenched in "issues."
Q1Yes, fear and hopelessness.
Q1Middle school students are still fairly attached to parents' values and opinions. We are working in a very conservative geographical area and my school is the largest middle school in the country for military dependents. Surprisingly, the rhetoric of this year's discourse has given a number of students the freedom to call, "foul," and not just parrot what they think they need to say. The salacious, immature, id-nature of many candidates (not just Trump, but the responses of most in the GOP) is remarkable but definitely a teachable moment. Many teachable moments. I have taught overseas to much more racially and ethnically diverse populations and think they are probably handling this year more easily since the divisions are acknowledged but everyone loves fiestas and mixing cultures is encouraged (Northern Marianas, in particular). What an amazing time this is. We are acknowledging the fact that all political advertising, all advertising of products, are the same manipulation. We are diving under the rhetoric and my students are becoming very critical of the middle school nature of some of these candidates and their surrogates. As a teacher I am amazed how my lessons are enhanced by outrageous behavior and how civics is so much more real this year.
Q1Lots of kids repeating what they hear from the candidates, as if it was all truth.
Q1Fortunately, at my school the negative election messages from the GOP have had the opposite effect. The kids are up in arms against the message from these men. They speak about how disappointed they are about what the politicians say- especially D. Trump. I am trying to avoid the election due to the trash talk from these men. It does not set an example I want my students to be exposed to at school. So sad!
Q1Yes. They are very much influenced by the buzzwords and clips
Q1My students are all lower class with 90% on public assistance. They all have similar views, but the rhetoric that students hear is incredibly scary for them. They feel even more disenfranchised and scared for their future.
Q1I think at this level they are unsure of who to vote for. They have just what their parents tell them. I would love to have more resources to make them more aware of the candidates’ ideas.
Q1I teach a second grade class and I am surprised at the impact the presidential race is having on my students. Instead of mimicking what they have heard on the news from the candidates, they have a more accurate picture of what bullying is. Having a clear example of what bullying behavior is has helped them to understand that when they treat someone unkindly it reflects badly on themselves not on the person they are trying to hurt. In the past, I taught fifth grade and had in-depth conversations about the candidates. In second grade, I am not teaching about government or politics. My comments about the impact the divisive rhetoric has had on my students are based on comments I have overheard when students were talking amongst themselves.
Q1The only effect has been a positive one in that they are actively interested in the election and voting process. Donald Trump, whatever your views or opinions are, has awakened this country's youth to the America's political system and America's political landscape.
Q1Students are afraid of what will happen if Trump wins. Our school has a high Latino population. Will they be deported? How will they be treated?
Q1Students have expressed the worry that illegal immigrants will be deported. I teach in Wisconsin. The environment is ugly, more hostile. When we were united in a union we worked together more often and with management--now it is every teacher for themselves.
Q1Yes, I have had students yelling at each other.
Q1My students were angry and concerned about how the election was going to affect their family.
Q1Yes, they are worried about the safety of their families.
Q1None
Q1I have heard derogatory references to Donald Trump, about what a "joke" he is; however, nothing hateful.
Q1Yes, definitely. The rhetoric has set up a school community that is hostile to conservatives and the Republican Party. It makes it difficult if not impossible to not take sides in my classroom because I can't be silent in the face of this kind of rhetoric, lest I lose my students' respect or trust.
Q1My students are aware of it. Early on, there were students (boys mostly) took a certain interest in expansive talk about Trump, but because of the anxiety that many of my students of color have expressed regarding Trump's rhetoric, I have really pushed them not to even make jokes about him.
Q1Although the rhetoric of the presidential campaign has been so pathetic, I actually have in turn been provided many opportunities to integrate numerous character development lessons within my existing curriculum. In short, out of the dark shines a light, those teachable moments that we as teachers live for.
Q1Students' discussions of the election seem much more heated, and more rooted in blind emotion, than was true of similar discussions during past presidential election years. (This is the eighth presidential election during which I have been teaching.)
Q1Although the rhetoric of the presidential campaign has been so pathetic, I actually have in turn been provided many opportunities to integrate numerous character development lessons within my existing curriculum. I short, out of the dark shines a light, those teachable moments that we as teachers live for.
Q1No yet, but I worry that if Donald Trump becomes the Republican nominee that some of my students will become more concerned about their families.
Q1Although the rhetoric of the presidential campaign has been so pathetic, I actually have in turn been provided many opportunities to integrate numerous character development lessons within my existing curriculum. In short, out of the dark shines a light, those teachable moments that we as teachers live for.
Q1My students seem more interested in the campaign this year but only in the same way they are interested in circling a couple of kids who are about to fight on the playground. It is pure entertainment. Students have rightly pointed out that the behavior of the candidates is demeaning to the United States and the office of the presidency. I teach 6th grade, by the way --out of the mouths of babes!
Q1This issue is not just a concern for Muslim students, it is also a hot topic for females and African-Americans.
Q1The students show deep concern about what could happen, either to themselves or to people they know.
Q1I have not seen the rhetoric of the campaign changing my students substantially. Some are more interested in the campaign as a result of the extremism of the Republican front-runner. I'm more concerned about the overall lack of civility in our society and this election is just one more sign that our ability to have respectful debate has declined substantially.
Q1I have not seen or heard anything about the campaign at all but then I don't go in the lounge very much nor do I have a teaching partner. There have been no district communiqués that address student or faculty political rhetoric. Further, I don't expect there to be any as the election gets closer.
Q1They are losing confidence in the presidential election.
Q1They are talking, listening and watching. I have one student become a delegate to the county convention and an alternate to the state convention. First in 20 years.
Q1No
Q1Race has become a bigger issue, when it shouldn't be.
Q1Kids are scared. A parent said her 8 year old asked what was different between Donald Trump and Hitler. She felt like they were both the same in their actions and ideology.
Q1My non-white K-8 students have shared fears that they are not valued in the U.S. and that they will be deported if Trump is elected.
Q1"They're all idiots." (Repubs.)
Q1None of my kids really seem to espouse the hatred policies of certain candidates. I have about 20 Hispanic kids and a few Muslim kids and the rest are mixed ethnicities of Asians, Native Americans, Indians, African Americans, etc., with the majority white or biracial. I am teaching about the election and talking about the bare facts. I refuse to let the students enter into uncivil discourse. They are compiling the platforms for each candidate. A number have been shocked at some of their findings. They have talked about the candidates. For each claim they make, they have to find facts to back it up. So far, many who hated Bernie Sanders because of parent hatred of "socialists" are starting to respect him more after investigating his policies and past. There are negative emotions toward the others in general although some have families supporting one of them. One said they were ashamed to be seen with their parents when their parents had their candidate shirts on and their car bumper stickers. Each of the candidates has supporters, although I have noticed some that do not want to talk about the ones they support. They do not seem to be 100% proud to be supporting some of them. I think it has more to do with parents and church than their own personal convictions. Hillary does have her lady fans who believe it is time for a woman president, but many question her validity, as she is widely hated in our state. Some of the Hispanic kids have popped off to Trump-Cruz supports and asked them if they want to build a wall to keep them out. They didn't have a comeback for that as they are friends.
Q1The only students who mention Donald Trump typically do so to get a reaction out of others or as a joke. His rhetoric is often cited as negative by the over-50% Latino/a population of our school.
Q1Students made fun of and destroyed an image/creation of Donald Trump. Normally, I would step in if a presidential candidate was treated this way, yet I was internally excited by their exuberance against him. These students were otherwise very kind to each other and treated each other like teammates. I am however still concerned about how they decided to act toward another person's image. With students having less "power," how can you empower them in a situation where a presidential candidate is building barriers and creating fear?
Q1A number of students have started to justify certain statements made by politicians. The few that I have come across quickly when asked whether they were speaking from facts, emotions or both.
Q18th grade students are more aware and agree about Donald Trump being a racist, considering the majority of our student population is Latino.
Q1Not worth discussing because the candidates do not address the issues in a professional manner.
Q1The students at my school have continually expressed their anger and hurt at the comments and ideas regarding immigration and deportation. They are not only hurt by these comments, they are deeply concerned that someone like Trump is leading in polls and are hurt and worried that so many people agree with his thoughts. This leads them to believe that they are not wanted here, that some do not see their value or contributions to our country. Many others are concerned about themselves or their families being deported. This is definitely not a new issue/concern but it seems to be heightened and talked about more often than I've heard in the past.
Q1Students know about Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump basically. Many are worried about what will happen if Trump is elected. Our teachers are also worried.
Q1For the most part at my school there are very few students who have embraced the negativity and bigotry that has been involved in some of the election process at this point. Most of the students are able to look at and decipher what is bias and what is fact.
Q1My high school students live in the moment and are ripe for a dialogue about their future. I would love to have a platform for them to express their opinions.
Q1Young people love Bernie and are amused by Donald Trump, but I don't think they are taking the election seriously.
Q1The majority of young people in our programs are Muslim with a family history of immigration. The fear and heartache is real. Students' have said that Donald Trump wants to kill all Muslims. (Whether this is true doesn't matter as much as whether the students think it's true and whether his actions and words support this.)
Q1Yes, my students are talking about how much they hate Trump and that they want to move to Canada.
Q1Some bold students speak up more than ever before. Others laugh but refuse to engage in conversation. The "haters" seem to have the silently acknowledged hold on what can/cannot be spoken. Our government teacher (shame on him!) has been outspoken against representatives of civil liberties and equality. I cannot speak against a colleague and therefore wreak division among us; plus he is passively hostile to my "liberal" views.
Q1Shows disrespect
Q1I have seen that students make comments about what they see on the news.
Q1It is confusing
Q1My students are disappointed by the tone used by most of the candidates running for President. They find the candidates, especially those of the Republican Party, to be angry, divisive and insulting, not to mention childish. I teach Modern World History, and yet we spend as much time in class discussing the election as we do the world history curriculum topics. To be honest, I have been grateful for the end of relentless, repetitive and mostly empty debates which automatically triggered very time-consuming discussions NOT about candidates policy positions but, rather, on their latest outrageous statements during the debates.
Q1Immigrant children are afraid they will be sent out of the USA even back to tribal war zones in Africa. American-born Muslims are afraid they will lose citizenship and be sent somewhere they and their family members have never visited or lived.
Q1One of my students said that if Trump is elected, they would have to return to their country. Another said that if Trump was elected, slavery would be reinstated.
Q1Not yet.
Q1Students are concerned about what the candidates are arguing about.
Q1Students in our school system have cried in fear of having families deported. The students at my son's middle school also spend time talking about how worried they are if Trump becomes president.
Q1The reinforcement of smack language inappropriate in large group setting. It also has not gone amiss that it has affected our international reputation.
Q1Students are connected to messages from candidates via social media.
Q1We see an increase in small mean acts, and in sarcasm, low-level verbal abuse between students, and less tolerance for differences as simple as a married couple having different last names.
Q1I think some are bewildered by the lack of civility, but - as they are only just beginning to learn how to civilly debate - I am more concerned that they are taking this in as normal for political discourse.
Q1Threats of violence by candidates have resulted in some "copy cat" behaviors in some our younger students. "Punching the other guy in the throat..." is not figurative language to 14,15,16 yr. olds. Advocating violence over diversity of thought, revives old "Jim Crow" mentality; segregation, and separatism mentality --in America? Really?
Q1I am the principal in an elementary school trying to teach students about the DASA Law. It is difficult to tell students it's against the law to make fun of others when the presidential candidates are permitted to. I feel as though I'm not preparing them for the real world. Very sad.
Q1Yes, I have had my high school students visit about unrest on the political scene in the United States. Many are not pleased with Donald Trump. They find his views to invite more problems.
Q1Students have responded with sentiments of hatred toward Donald Trump and often whites in general.
Q1Students have more of an attitude that they can talk back to teachers, peers and administration. We were going to have kindness week and we could not include country as they were seeing a lack of kindness in THE GOP candidates.
Q1Yes, our school is located near Trump National Golf Course, which is just north of Charlotte, NC. Many conservative points of view are being loudly expressed and I have had several discussions in class about respect and tolerance. Typically, the comments are heard in the hallways and through various social media forms, not in the regular classroom. However, I have had several students express their concern about the negative impact the conservative rhetoric is having on them and their family.
Q1It is divisive. Students have stickers for their candidate, Trump, and put it on their pencil pouches. They do this in an attempt to separate themselves. We have a bully box to refer people who are harassing others and a student put one of the stickers that says Trump, and put it inside.
Q1They think it's "stupid"
Q1We are at a school that teaches Core Values and the students are well aware that many of the candidates do not follow the Core Values, of respect, mindfulness, courage, integrity, to name a few.
Q1There is an increase of "anti-" grumblings, in an area which is already very diversity and tolerance challenged. But the biggest change I've witnessed is a withdrawal from the voting process. My students are adults (at community college) and are most often very busy surviving and don't have time to sort through what is seen as nonsense - therefore they often claim they just won't vote this year.
Q1Kids are so impressionable and when they hear the candidates talk down about other groups they think it is ok for them to do so too.
Q1It hasn't. I am in an elementary school and the student's are pretty sheltered about political events. Their parents are not concerned either.
Q1I teach Spanish so I get a lot of comments related to immigration, building a wall, disputes between students who are pro-Trump vs. anti-Trump. Many of this happens without regard to the students sitting next to them who may have immigrant heritage etc.
Q1Yes, it has increased hostility in conversations between students. I've also seen students express that they are uncomfortable stating their opinions.
Q1Emotions are high with this election and students and some feel the election of their candidate could mean life or death for them. How can you have a conversation about such a difficult dialogue when they believe their lives are on the line?
Q1Political discussions are more fraught and more common. Students who identify as liberal or anti-Trump are often intolerant of Trump supporters. Trump supporters are often students who have pre-existing racial prejudices and issues that are known by students and staff. Some Trump supporters (students) were surprises because they demonstrate values that are un-Trump like... for instance, being friends with/ advocating for/supporting trans students.
Q1No but this is middle school
Q1Being nasty to one another
Q1Last year I felt that some of the events that took place in our country, gun violence, and the police shootings affected my students. There was a definite prejudice felt in my classroom.
Q1Students show fear and worry in response to Trump's rhetoric specifically. They share outrage and use him frequently in discussions as evidence or to generate more questions about fairness, systemic racism, or as an issue they are passionate about.
Q1There is far more distrust and isolation. People are sticking with their tribe. Few speak in meaningful ways with those who hold differing views. We are also located in Illinois and have a huge public crisis at the state funding level. Our college has laid off 55 people and a neighboring university is looking at over 300 layoffs. People could not be more stressed out.
Q1Students think that Trump is funny to watch on camera. They are not really swayed by what he is saying.
Q1I have seen the usual conversations during elections.
Q1Students are afraid. They are smart enough to understand that it won't just stay as an attack on immigrants and Muslims, but that others will be targets eventually, too.
Q1Some students have expressed fear about how solutions are not dealing with the conditions created leading to current global issues impacting the US.
Q1My students have not discussed the campaigning much this year. They have not expressed strong ideas one way or another.
Q1I teach at a very diverse school in a diverse district. The majority of the student body is Hispanic, African American, followed by Asian, Indian and White students. If anything the rhetoric has caused them (students) to become more aware of what's happening in the election.
Q1It is difficult to teach the campaign and maintain a respectful atmosphere. The gross disregard for polite conversation has affected the students. They say things like "trump says it this way" or "that is what trump says", or "did you hear what Trump said now" and of course discussion ensues. Sometimes they are not so polite in their conversation.
Q1What I have noticed is that my students are more engaged with the election. They talk about it; they debate. Above all, they are worried. There are a lot of "can you imagine what will happen if _________ is running the country?!" They are paying attention.
Q1A PreK student woke from afternoon nap and had had a nightmare that Trump had come to get her family.
Q1Staff is reluctant to enter into any political discussions.
Q1No, not really.
Q1Trump scares them.
Q1Yes, students are quick to become accusatory and condemn others for having a differing point of view. Many students come to school after the debates and parrot everything they might have heard on the debate.
Q1Some students are more informed about governmental policies, but not many take the rhetoric seriously.
Q1In a 3rd/4th split the students come into class repeating things they've heard the candidates say, many of which are negative. They also chant things like "Dump Trump." My students are more interested in the election this year than in years past and seem to be exposed to more negative/ making fun of media such as John Oliver or other late night riffs on candidates. I often find small groups of students talking about candidates and repeating things they’ve heard their parents say about them.
Q1I see my students paying more attention to what is going on, and showing concern for how the candidates will affect our nation is elected.
Q1Due to the controversial nature (as well as the media exposure) of Trump, more students are aware of the election as well as related issues.
Q1My students are young -- 4th grade. They haven't grasped the nuance of the candidate's policies, nor do they know the details of how presidents are elected. However, they are very passionate about the idea of Donald Trump not being elected.
Q1They are more interested in what is happening
Q1Well we were wondering how to move to Canada if Trump wins...
Q1We are a very racially diverse community. Bullying has become more predominant.
Q1We have been talking about the candidates and their platforms.
Q1The angst is high, yes.
Q1A lot of students think we should kill any and all people we do not agree with. They also think that all Muslims are the same and are a threat to our country and way of life. They believe all Muslims want to kill us.
Q1Many students are shocked that the candidates are behaving so radically and immaturely.
Q1Students are making fun of the candidates this year instead of taking the election seriously.
Q1More hatred towards the GOP candidates.
Q1Yes, third grader commenting that Donald Trump does not like Mexicans and will make us leave.
Q1Students have continually expressed concern that they do not want Donald Trump and are offended by what he says.
Q1Very negative campaign, and it has affected my community since it is a large agricultural area in California.
Q1Some students feel more confident about speaking out against immigrants, Muslims, and Mexicans. 35% of our student population is Hispanic, and we have seen an increase in racial tensions this year.
Q1I once heard a few of my students talking about if Mexicans take jobs from Americans, but that was the only discussion I've heard that clearly stemmed from this year's presidential campaign rhetoric.
Q1Students are voicing parental views and some are voicing concern about fighting.
Q1The children of the pro-Trump households do not listen to the other side. They laugh and enjoy the horror stories in the news.
Q1Some students who support Donald Trump have been heard sharing his slogan about "Making America Great Again." I also heard some "songs" that they made up that included disparaging remarks about Hillary Clinton being a man.
Q1My students are confused about who they will vote for. They find the discourses contradicting.
Q1My students and staff are concerned over this election cycle. Many of the students are listening to what their parents are saying and going along with it, right or wrong. The staff has been less vocal, among one another, due to the nature of our jobs. The conversations that I have heard staff have were divided among those who don't like any of the candidates and those who have chosen a side.
Q1Those who are here illegally are concerned they will be deported.
Q1I have seen an increase in name-calling and an increase level of comfort with nativist and anti-immigrant positions.
Q1Because I teach journalism to high school students, we have followed the campaigns pretty closely. Several of my students who are second-generation immigrants -- Muslim and Latino -- are fearful of Donald Trump in particular because he makes statements that he'll build a wall to keep Mexicans out and that he wants to deport Muslims. I often interject to maintain civility in conversations between students who personally support Trump and Cruz (or whose households do) and students who feel threatened by those candidates.
Q1I teach at an early college where my students have the ability to earn their associates degree along with their high school diploma. Most of my students come from low-income backgrounds and will be the first in their family to attend college. I’m aware of at least ten students who are in the USA illegally or have parents who have illegal statues. After Donald Trump’s statement about building a wall several of my Hispanic students expressed fear and concern for their future.
Q1Yes many students have approached other students with biased comments and bullying.
Q1Frustrate them, turn them off to certain candidates, especially the insane rhetoric of Trump.
Q1I teach 3rd and 4th grade ESOL students. They have expressed their and their families' fears about their futures if Trump is elected.
Q1My students express anger about the situation. They tend to be liberal and are outraged by what they are hearing. Some express differences online, which leads to disharmony and unkind language, at times.
Q1My students are mainly Latinos and they are concerned and angry about this rhetoric.
Q1Many of my students are immigrants. They have a real concern about the attitude towards immigrants in the upcoming elections.
Q1Students are somewhat agitated regarding the presidential campaign. There have been no debates or discussions on the playground. I teach Physical Education classes so I am not aware of discussions during the classroom time. We have been on spring break and I anticipate more discussion as we move closer to the June primary in California, the state in which I teach.
Q1Some students are more adamant in their opinions this year (in a variety of directions).
Q1My students do not like the arrogant actions of Trump and his statements about fighting the demonstrators. They see it as a way to encourage more violence and unrest. He does not stick to the subject about why he is the best candidate running for president.
Q1Students are repeating comments from candidates that they don't really understand but hear their parents discussing it.
Q1Some friendships have been shifted and been lost. There is more anger and discontentment.
Q1Yes, in my daughter's school conversations about racism have now turned into one group of students in the class against the other.
Q1My Hispanic students have a great deal of anger toward Trump. They have a lot of questions and have been very engaged. Much like the primaries have shown, it seems that the youth are also very interested in Bernie Sanders.
Q1Students have been more outspoken about things that don't require a negative outburst.
Q1We have a system that is very diverse. The leadership is not.
Q1Increase in all types of bullying based on meanness toward those who use a different perspective - it is how popular and how loyal you are to your group (Christian, white establishment) and if someone in their group is critical of anything you do or even did not do, they blindly believe the group member (Christian, white, and far right) even in the face of evidence (phone records and e-mails, for example) and say if you were truly a member of the group in power you would not have problems.
Q2None noticed
Q2A student said he'd prefer another Obama term, and it angered another student who has been vocal about her support of Donald Trump. The angry student began yelling "what is the matter with you" and "this is why I HATE people."
Q2There has been an increase in bullying by way of accusing each other that they are Trump supporters to isolate them from the social groups.
Q2Some of the biased language I have heard is along the lines of equating people who are Muslim from Southwest Asia and/or North Africa as "terrorists," as well as language that encourages jokes about deportations and building a wall along the US-Mexican border.
Q2I have witnessed adults speaking out against refugees and immigrants as a whole rather than considering them on an individual case-by-case basis. I have heard people use racial slurs and spout out other racist rhetoric.
Q2During our winter performance middle school kids created a character based off Donald Trump that was meant to be funny. It was more awkward.
Q2No
Q2Too many kids treating a particular candidate as a "joke" and mimicking his colorful language.
Q2Students talking about immigrants without knowing the facts and calling or agreeing with harsher things for Muslims. Very sad.
Q2Have not seen any of this.
Q2This question seems like a loaded question or biased question. You are basing the climate of the school on the election and not including the events of the last few years, like the Black Lives Matter movements and Ferguson, as influences on the kids. The kids don't live in a vacuum. It really seems like there is an agenda here on your part.
Q2None. Thank God.
Q2Anti free speech.
Q2I have not yet heard bullying based on any campaigns, but the desire students' have to "build a wall and have Mexico pay for it" has been expressed multiple times. I try to redirect students to the subject at hand.
Q2N/A
Q2My students are mimicking the anti-Trump rhetoric.
Q2We had a fifth grade student tell a Muslim student that he was supporting Donald Trump because he was going to kill all of the Muslims if he became president!
Q2Ugly words, will tower down with education
Q2NONE
Q2No, my students have behaved in an exemplary manner. Unlike the adults running for president.
Q2No. Mostly head shaking and disgust.
Q2Yes. My high school students seem willing to deny climate change in ways that they never have in the past, fueled by the rhetorical "dodge-and-bait" used so often by republican climate change deniers like Cruz and Trump.
Q2We had an incident where one of our Muslim students was told he was a terrorist. Fortunately, the perpetrator was dealt with, but we can never erase the pain that caused that student.
Q2No.
Q2My students and families are all for deporting all "illegals," even though a huge population of our students and families are undocumented. They all are united in their dislike for Muslims, which is "ok" because there aren't any at our Catholic school.
Q2No
Q2The parents at my school have been fairly quiet thus far, and thankfully I have not heard children mimicking rhetoric from the campaign
Q2No. Not really. Our semi-diverse student body, 20-25% non-white, is also an international student population
Q2I have not witnessed any.
Q2We are embarking on a study of the Holocaust this week, and I am just horrified at how my fellow teachers are failing to connect these dots for themselves. Some of my students are beginning to see some parallels, but many of them think that they are now empowered or emboldened in their exclusionist, nationalistic rhetoric. It makes me ill.
Q2No, I have not witnessed any new bullying or biased language. However, some of that stuff is common. One boy talked about his grandfather referring to President Obama as "that nigger in the White House." I'm able to use these incidents as a "teachable moment." However, I'm more concerned about how kids and teachers might be self-censoring, keeping quiet and laying low during this ugly period. Some must feel like a small minority when they hear the loud rhetoric of some candidates and their supporters.
Q2In short, yes.
Q2We are having more of an issue with bullying of transgendered students specifically. This indirectly ties in because it is becoming "acceptable" to say discriminatory things and be heroized for it.
Q2I have not seen bullying but have heard students express concern about their safety due to issues raised by Trump
Q2Yes, posters for the Black Student Union, and the SPECTRUM clubs have been vandalized with racist writing.
Q2No
Q2None witnessed.
Q2Not at our school, but it in the grocery store.
Q2Yes. I have heard students mimic Trump's comments about keeping out immigrants, building a wall, etc. It is mostly coming from white students.
Q2I think as a school we're doing a good job containing the rhetoric of hate, but there is a lot of general ignorance. Especially toward our Muslim population (we have a fair amount of Somali students in our building), however we have worked since last year (when most of the students joined us) to educate our other students about Islam and the Somali culture.
Q2Students mimic the rhetoric that illegal immigrants are harming America.
Q2No. My student population is very diverse and supportive.
Q2None
Q2Never
Q2I haven't seen that although we talk about the effects of that kind of speech and the broader ideas of terrorism, putting people into tightly categorized boxes, etc. In one of my classes, a rapid Bernie fan and equally rabid Trump fan sit next to each other and carry on civilly.
Q2Black 8th grade boys yelling out vote for Trump or you die; or if you vote for Trump, we are going to be sent back to Africa.
Q2The biased language is from the students about the candidates.
Q2None
Q2Have not witnessed this
Q2Only as jokes, not seriously.
Q2No.
Q2Students have picked on our first-year Spanish teacher by telling her, "We hope Trump gets elected so you get sent back to Mexico."
Q2Biased and inflammatory language seems to be on the rise.
Q2Many students are posting very slanted comments on social media and the political bullying has increased. It is to the point where students are unfriending each other because of their political affiliations.
Q2We have had some incidents and in our Middle School it isn't uncommon to hear bullying and biased language. We continually run anti-bullying programs and counseling to combat this problem with some good results.
Q2I actually have heard biased language from a teacher or two about "those crazy Republicans who hate Republicans."
Q2The opposite - this has inspired students to speak up for equality and fairness. Many are gravitating to Bernie Sanders.
Q2Yes, in a few instances. I had one student talking about how Obama is a Muslim and is murdering Christians. Of course, I corrected him and told him that his statement was not accurate. This student is excited to have a new president next year.
Q2My community is mostly white, upper class, and Republican--they have said such things as, "Why don't we just purge poor people?" "Immigrants should go home." "Who cares if they can't feed their families--that is not America's problem." "They are all just lazy."
Q2Recently a colleague told me that a student in her middle school homeroom stood up and shouted that all Mexicans should go home. He said he "stood with Trump" and was ready to "get 'em all out of here." Two of my Latina students are in that class. They were visibly shaken.
Q2No
Q2I have not.
Q2A student pulled at another student’s hijab and asks, "What is this for?"
Q2Yes, both children and parents. Only a few cases, but enough to catch my attention.
Q2I have witnessed people spouting anti-immigration speech in front of immigrants, and those with immigrants in their families. It makes for hurt feelings, loss of friendship, and loss of respect for those saying hurtful things. I've seen social media postings that are cruel and incite violence.
Q2No. Teachers and administrators will not allow this.
Q2This is too sensitive to share. But, it is easy to do a search to find university administrators who have acted in an insensitive manner and have perpetuated racial and cultural stereotypes. These errors have been defended by these same administrators and blame has been displaced. Racist rhetoric has invited very hostile and aggressive acts of hate. This appears to be attached to the examples of authority: university administration and presidential candidates alike.
Q2Our principal made a remark at a staff meeting that all Muslims hate gays and want to kill them. In all fairness, it was in the heat of the moment after a Muslim student had killed himself after his parents refused to accept him because of his sexual orientation. However, this "all" encompassing statement is detrimental coming from the principal of a building to teachers - and thankfully no students were present.
Q2I have not witnessed bullying or biased language that mimics the campaign.
Q2No
Q2I have not witnessed any bullying, however we are in the business of teaching our students to be civil, tolerant. I admire Hillary Clinton's, Kasich, and Marco Rubio's positive attitude. Some of the other candidates are making it hard to show students how to conduct themselves in a civil manner.
Q2Some students want to blame Muslim students for acts of terrorism. Two students had a heated altercation in between classes because the white student shouted Trump quotes to a group of Mexican students. Luckily, my administration handled the issue quickly and defused the issue. We also talked about it in my class.
Q2Yes, but again I teach in a liberal community so it tends to be toward conservative, Christians and republicans in general.
Q2A few students have mentioned Obama wanting to take away all of their guns, or how he is a "weak president." When I ask for specifics, they don't seem to have any.
Q2Have not observed it.
Q2Some of our staff uses coded, micro-aggressive type language to speak of students and their families. They make statements that are troublesome but indefinably so, until you have time to analyze them later. Many of our Muslim students have a prayer time scheduled during the day and/or do not attend music class. Several staff members see this as an inconvenient burden for them to deal with. But this is not new to this election cycle. During the height of the refugee panic I had Facebook conversations with co-workers who were hesitant about accepting more refugees. I do believe their fears were stoked by the political rhetoric, but they were open to reason and not hostile. The positive experiences we've had with refugees in our community have helped to temper some of the panic and it seems there are 99 advocates to every fear-monger. The day before Thanksgiving staff and students took a picture on the football field with a sign that said "Refugees Welcome."
Q2None observed.
Q2No
Q2No bullying or comments directed at other students.
Q2Anti-Muslim graffiti in textbooks.
Q2My students LOVE to express their opinions, especially if someone in the room thinks differently. They are in 7th grade, rarely read a newspaper and most are ill informed about current issues. But they love to argue, and the aggression in this campaign is just right for 7th graders!
Q2I have not witnessed any of it personally.
Q2Not an issue.
Q2I only heard about some comments on Yik Yak during Black history month that were very biased. Because that is an anonymous social medium, we can't even be sure that the conversation was started by our students. We have seen quite a lot of rejection of that type of thing among many students here.
Q2I have not witnessed anything that I can directly tie to the campaign. My colleague across the hall, a Trump supporter, flat out denies that he is a bigot--that he just wants people to immigrate here through the proper channels. She has a safe space sticker on her door! So, I don't know; I guess she takes a selective view of him. With each knew case of his ugly rhetoric at rallies, I want to ask her, "Do you still think he's not a bigot?"
Q2Quite a bit of talk amongst the older students about possibly leaving the country.
Q2They often role-play in moral leadership sessions, not taken personally.
Q2No I can't say that I have heard anything in particular at this time.
Q2See above, especially comments about Muslims. We deal with this directly and quickly and do not tolerate intolerance.
Q2No all voices are heard
Q2Students are using Trump-like tactics against each other, although adults are working together to stop it.
Q2I have just seen several comments from teachers on social web sites that are less than polite about different candidates.
Q2No
Q2I had one adult say "they think Trump is refreshing.”
Q2I heard about anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim views being expressed by someone who volunteers in our school. : (
Q2I have seen an increase in demeaning speech in regards to students who speak with an accent.
Q2I have not seen this
Q2The verbiage of some adults that "they destroyed the twin towers," they kill women, no rights for women, the most recent events in Europe. How do we offer a balanced overview of the issues?
Q2Bullying is criminal, in this election has been not addressed enough. The violence in our school will decrease with suicidal attempts. There shall parenting programs in groups and individuals. There shall be addressed in the beginning of the school year that school don't tolerate words to each student cause of beliefs, faith and/or culture. School shall have uniform in all school.
Q2No, the students are not mistreating each other, but they are vocal about their opinions about the presidential nominees.
Q2"If they can't speak English there's nothing I can do, they should learn English" "he's going to be in jail anyway"
Q2None
Q2My teaching colleagues mimic the vile sound bites and are unable to discourse without unethical speech. They say the same things that Trump or Cruz or Fox News said the night before. I cannot figure out how to address their inabilities to communicate effectively because they are aligned with madness.
Q2I had a Muslim mother accuse a dad of treating her poorly at a concert because she is Muslim. She thought he was a Trump supporter (because he presents as low income white male). More from middle school students.
Q2An Islamic boy has made several statements about his hate for America saying everyone is racist and hates Muslims. :(
Q2The campaign has seemed to decrease tolerance to other ideas and people. The amount of biased language has increased slightly. I have particularly heard students arguing about illegal immigrants.
Q2A student called another student with an Islamic name a terrorist in class.
Q2I haven't.
Q2I did have one student tell another student to, "Go back to Mexico." Not sure if it was due to the campaign, though.
Q2No but we're a different kind of school.
Q2Nope
Q2No.
Q2I have not witnessed it, and, though I'm not naïve enough to believe it doesn't happen, I do believe that our students recognize the power of their voices. If a teacher didn't step in to redirect such behavior, I suspect another student would. As a staff--because we are primarily white--we do a lot of work around race, ethnicity, and, most recently, micro-aggressions, all of which helps us be mindful of students' experiences.
Q2Mexican students are the targets of biased talk.
Q2We stop and have frank discussions.
Q2I have had two fights occur based on race...one was a student who is white making comments to a Hispanic student...saying he was dirty, should speak English, go back to Mexico. When I have taught about Islam; many students and parents say things like all Muslims are terrorists.
Q2Yes.
Q2There has been some, mainly in conversations among students. In this area, many people are very anti-immigrant, in that many are blue-collar workers who perhaps feel that they might lose their jobs to immigrants.
Q2No
Q2Ironically, the Latino youth who are documented and English dominant disparage the "paisa" or recent immigrants in our school.
Q2Aside from info above regarding high school, local newspaper "chat" room, I have had papers from students reporting harassment for wearing a hijab or otherwise based on their race/ethnicity. What I witness most has been activism against racism that might be reflected in Minnesota's primary results in favor of Rubio and Sanders. A man who for many years came to campus (now officially banned) or stood on street corners with a Superman costume recently stood at edge of campus with a Confederate flag and had encountered with African American students, then blamed the students. Main reaction of students was trying to figure out how to ban this person from harassing while others emphasized protecting his free speech. Spring Semester: living in New Mexico majority Hispanic town, and a Latino middle school student told me he was suspended for hitting a student who had moved here from the South who was constantly pushing him and calling him names.
Q2I hear my first graders repeating things Trump has said against Muslims and women. Sometimes it's actually what Trump has said, or close to it. Example: "Trump says that no Muslims should come here because they all believe in Islam, but they don't all believe in Islam." I explained that they do believe in Islam, but there is something else, called jihad, that some think all Muslims support when most of them do not. Other things were more general and not-quite right, such as "Trump wants to kill Muslims" or "Trump wants to kill China." But these are first graders, and all but one in my class hates Trump.
Q2Build the wall! Keep them out! Waterboard them all! Trump says to punch them all in the face. Yeah! The violence and rudeness of Mr. Trump is appealing to students struggling in school and at home. It gives them permission to lash out.
Q2Thankfully no.
Q2I can't (yet)
Q2No, I have not.
Q2Small number of adult residents in area displaying Patriotism and American Flag symbols via automobile - flag displayed in bed of pick-up truck, stickers on vehicles, etc. along with aggressive driving attitude (not imagined.)
Q2I haven't seen or heard this.
Q2There has always been racism against Hispanics in our schools, and it has only gotten worse since Katrina and the huge influx of people from Honduras and Mexico. It is disturbing because without these immigrants, New Orleans would not have come as far as it has in recovery. Ironically, at home, Hondurans and Mexicans do not get along, but coming into this environment post-Katrina, and especially facing anti-immigrant sentiment with this election, draws theses rivals together. The worst bias I have seen has been from the teachers, but I imagine a lot of this comes from having English learners in their classes who may bring down their scores in high stakes tests. This is an explanation, not an excuse.
Q2No the presidential candidates! Republicans are bigger bullies than our middle school bullies.
Q2I would be very surprised to see that, given our demographic.
Q2A teacher, rather than staying neutral, took sides and used misinformation--most embarrassing for him to be caught.
Q2No. Thankfully.
Q2Some of the adults that I know are on the extremes in terms of their political views. Don't confuse me with the facts if that goes against what I believe is implied but not spoken. The lack of honesty among those presenting information is the most troublesome to me. People quote from one source without considering what the opposition has to say about the topic.
Q2I have witnessed it...though unsure I can say the campaign is the cause, I can say it does not help.
Q2Some increased anti Muslim, anti LGBT sentiments
Q2I am an education professor at a large university. I have Muslim students who have been bullied and harassed since October. One student came to me right after a male adult student pushed her off her bike on her way to class and told her to go back home. She said, "Some man named Trump is going to get me killed."
Q2Yes...fear for their families
Q2No bullying or biased language to the extent that it mimics the rhetoric of the campaigns has been heard.
Q2Thank God no I haven't.
Q2None.
Q2No
Q2I have seen bullying, but not that seems a result of the debates.
Q2None witnessed nor rumored.
Q2I heard one teacher say, "ISIS," as a staff member talked on the phone in an Arabic language. One white student said a Latino student was probably illegal.
Q2No - most of the comments have been more personal, and not overtly political.
Q2There have been instances of students saying to other students things like, "Trump will be president and send you all back". There have been incidents of hate speech, anti- Semitic remarks (not targeting anyone specific).
Q2Students who voice their support of Trump regarding his anti-terrorism support are being harassed with verbal abuse (i.e. not a healthy debate, but rather personal attacks such as "you're a #*^# idiot).
Q2Students are calling our Muslim students names.
Q2No
Q2School is a safe place in [Illinois town]. We have several generations of immigrants in our community and we work hard to keep school safe.
Q2At the high school (according to my 10th grade daughter), teachers are avoiding discussion of the election because of its uncivil temperament. At my school I do not feel there is much being said about the election with students. I have not heard negative language mimicking the rhetoric of the campaign. Talk among teachers includes the frustration with comments made by some in the Republican Party about our country not being great or discussion about certain people who should not be here in our country.
Q2No. Actually the opposite. The election has led me to realize how much I bias those I don't agree with. I had assumed that Trump supporters were poor white men. Then I came to realize that some of the parents at my school who are incredibly generous are Trump fans.
Q2None, well, jokes about Trump.
Q2I've only heard about it secondhand and outside of my region. I have many teacher friends in districts around my own in Western Massachusetts and have not heard any discouraging anecdotes from them personally.
Q2Our students shut that type of rhetoric and down pretty quickly on their own. They know to listen to one another respectfully. If they feel that one person or small group is disrespectful, they are empowered to speak up.
Q2I have not.
Q2The young men joke about the lack of respect Trump has for woman.
Q2From an 18-year-old male "If girls wear shorts and halters - they are going to get raped by those Mexican criminals that keep coming in"
Q2I haven't personally but had a colleague mention some of the rhetoric making it into their 3rd grade classroom.
Q2No.
Q2Our students are up front in their rejection of Trump and other candidate's hate speech -- at least in the classroom.
Q2I have not.
Q2No
Q2Hate speech from white students toward Muslim students
Q2No
Q2I teach communications so I'm a sure student are more conscious of their choices in my presence. I will not pretend that this isn't occurring outside of my classroom, however.
Q2I haven't seen or heard anything
Q2A teacher is having a hard time not expressing his opinions that affects students, especially our Muslim students.
Q2No.
Q2N/A Thankfully.
Q2A couple of anti - Islam statements that were quickly called out by students and staff. I think a few adolescent males like the shock value.
Q2None
Q2I have heard some bias from adults who have attitudes about immigrant families taking jobs needed by "Americans." I have heard ignorant comments from an entitled white male who expressed that Donald Trump can "clean up" America and get it back to its "true Christian values.”
Q2Students and some teachers are quick to blame minorities for their personal circumstances. It reminds me of the situation of Hitler and his regime encouraging the mindset that the Jews or anyone that was "different" was less than human and was to blame for the problems facing society.
Q2No. Just contempt.
Q2Teacher instruction
Q2No. If anything, we have politically homogeneous student body, one that roundly rejects Trump and his appeals to voters.
Q2No.
Q2Solely from students and I hear and see more of the American flag merchandise being worn around school. Almost reminds me of the Klan when they combine their KKK flag next to the US flag.
Q2I have had a few students mention the benefits of a wall being erected to help in immigration reform. Also these same students seem to favor keeping refugees from entering our country.
Q2ISIS comments/taunts directed at Muslim adults in our building. Muslim students feel uncomfortable and fearful because of current events and the tone of the campaign.
Q2Some of my more conservative colleagues have echoed Trump's racist rhetoric in regards to immigration. I teach in [city], AZ., 45 minutes from the Mexican border.
Q2Thankfully, I've heard nothing in school yet, but I know it goes on to some degree. I've heard of racial slurs thrown at students on their way home from school.
Q2A general attitude of it is okay to be rude.
Q2"Kick all of the immigrants out of our country" " Immigrants are all terrorists" " Immigrants are drug kings and are causing violence"
Q2I have heard things said like, "If you like Hillary, you're a loser like she is."
Q2Students stating that others may not like what Trump is saying, but "he speaks the truth."
Q2Students are very vulnerable to the news & all the attention on Trump has highlighted him for the students as well.
Q2Not yet …
Q2The only instance I can refer to is the "Allahu Akhbar," but I am particularly sensitive having studied in the Middle East, and as an American who reads and writes Arabic.
Q2They have generalized every statement as "racist" sometimes true sometimes completely off target with understanding the concept of racism.
Q2No bullying, but male students especially, like to try to initiate discussion in classrooms to get out of other classwork. I don't hear it being used in their conversations in the lunchroom while I am on duty.
Q2Yes
Q2No bullying, just more open comments or discussion.
Q2Not more than usual.
Q2As an administrator, I've had one student call a Muslim student ISIS. I am not sure if there are other smaller comments that haven't come to my level.
Q2I mentioned some biased language earlier. In general you will hear people try to state the facts and lay that on the shoulders of Muslims. I often say, I am no more responsible for the crimes in this world then they are.
Q2No, but there is more talk about race in general
Q2No
Q2Not going to tell because who going to do any thing about it...
Q2"All Muslims are bad." (1st grader) "Why are you wearing those silly clothes.”? (2nd grader)
Q2I have not witnessed bullying but have noticed kids with limited viewpoints, in other words relying on one biased source.
Q2There are times when students in class will get into debates that end up in arguments because they are only reiterating what they have heard. It is hard to have a civil conversation about the candidates and their beliefs.
Q2Yes, I have seen and experienced biases and bullying from adults in my school.
Q2Higher use of 'racist' when the kids describe bullying incidents
Q2My students are too outraged by the comments to consider bullying anyone over them. Rather anti-Muslim comments have led students to ask questions about the whole issue as they seek to know and understand the reasoning behind what are clearly racist statements.
Q2The students, not all, but a few have been saying hateful things about Muslims and Mexicans. It's not aimed at anyone in particular, but is happening.
Q2We have some comments about candidates from students. I correct, clarify as well as insist on respect and sensitivity for each others' opinions, beliefs, ethnicity or political stances.
Q2Any comments I have seen have been mocking things said by the candidates, Trump in particular. Students are genuinely frightened and concerned about what will happen to our country if he is elected President. There is also a big concern and there have been several conversations about how this election has impacted the US' role and reputation in the world.
Q2No, most teachers do not discuss the primaries. As a teacher I really do not want to get into a debate with fellow teachers--each is entitled to their opinion. If the issue comes up I would in a nice way listen and allow them to have their stand.
Q2Mainly, because I like Hillary, she indeed knows what she talking about and knows what can and what cannot be done--she knows the law-and the constitution etc.
Q2Anti gay slurs are common in my school, but they are not tied to candidates I can see these days. Before Trump began to dominate, some GOP candidates had a bit of credibility with the boys and anti gay remarks were thrown around more.
Q2I have not witnessed this.
Q2Some students are expressing the negative, racist language that Donald Trump says.
Q2Some students have asked Latino students if they or their parents are illegal. Students have asked our Muslim teacher if she supports ISIS. For the most part, they are information-seeking questions but are influenced by the biases that are formed from the current political climate.
Q2Bullying and misconceptions about certain groups of people is prevalent.
Q2Nope
Q2I have witnessed nothing I can put my finger on but among a particular type of students I get a sense that they feel emboldened by the inflammatory rhetoric, the idea that perhaps they don't have to filter their speech to avoid offending others. That somehow such self-filtering of their speech is an impediment to free speech.
Q2A group of students left a #whitelivesmatter sign on a table where African Americans normally sit.
Q2Have not witnessed any.
Q2Teachers are more divided than ever over my school over all of the political jargon.
Q2There hasn't been bullying. But, b/c of Trump students feel more free to say what they want about Muslims and the Middle East.
Q2Not yet, hopefully not ever!
Q2Today, a student commented at lunch, "I don't give a shit about Spanish people. I hate Spanish people. That's why my parents are going to vote for Trump." A group of four of my Spanish-speaking English Language Learners overheard these comments and were completely devastated. There are so many examples of this.
Q2Not only have we heard negative dialogue between teachers, but we have also heard parents arguing about politics. As a whole, however, our students are just scared and they comment on how people running for president shouldn't be allowed to say mean things about one another.
Q2Adults are openly name-calling and making racial offensive comments in the presence of children.
Q2I just see a more abrasive attitude within my overall community.
Q2Actually the overall attitude at our school is that all of the candidates’ anti-immigration rhetoric is self-serving, and that Trump and Cruz in particular are dangerously insane. These are from conversations with both students and other teachers.
Q2My students know that sort of behavior is not welcome in our classroom. Fortunately the candidates who are exhibiting that type of behavior have become jokes in our discussions because there is no substance to their rhetoric.
Q2Not applicable. I teach in a Catholic school, and students are generally aware of the teachings of the church and would not be so openly disrespectful, even if they disagree. Adults are typically very respectful and are shocked at the tone of the political campaign on the Republican side.
Q2I have not personally witnessed any major differences in how kids treat one another-- just the usual middle school "drama"
Q2Not from the campaign...if anything, we have discussed what is appropriate and how ambiguous comments imply inappropriate desires (i.e. "people will riot"...when questioned, my students said this means he is telling his people to riot). Sadly, the 13 year olds get it more than the adults, even the ones who think it is okay. They understand and say this is within the Constitution. As long as they can connect it to the amendments, I feel they are more educated than the adults involved.
Q2Students are not engaging in this behavior at my school. Students are openly speaking out against it.
Q2Again - the rhetoric is not so much one that mimics the campaign, but more of how what is being said impacts them and their families. As a result, most comments from my students are negative and angry being directly aimed at Mr. Trump.
Q2NOOO.
Q2No way; not at my school that serves only immigrants.
Q2White students are calling black students n-/:;r more often. One white student even said it was perfectly ok for him to use the word because his ancestors invented it.
Q2Kids are using hateful language and directing at Latinos and Muslims. They think it is ok since Trump is modeling it.
Q2Students call each other harsh names that they have heard before.
Q2It does not occur in the school, but at their jobs and in our community...A mosque was desecrated with hateful words written. Students report people at their jobs telling them to go back where they come from. It is horrible. They fear an increase in deportations or worse.
Q2There has not been bullying that is tied to our elections.
Q2My six year old students are imitating what they hear and have been using the word loser. Also, some children have expressed fear about what might happen if Donald Trump becomes president.
Q2Yes, I've seen students say they "won't listen to n****r music" when the class voted to hear "whip nae nae" and continue to talk about skin color unfavorably when we discuss world history, slavery, MLK, presidents in a general way.
Q2"She's a liar.”
Q2I have dealt with a few students who have made disparaging comments about "hating Mexicans." I don't think they would have said it last year, but they are feeling bolder about such comments.
Q2I have witnessed biased language among my Hispanic students at a greater rate than usual this year: "jumping the wall/border"; "green card"; "gardener"; "you'll be deported"; and the like have increased. African-American greetings to each other, equally biased, have also increased. Both of the above are usually spoken among those of the same ethnicity. Of interest, terms like "towel-head" and "camel rider" were much more common last year, and spoken by non-alike ethnic groups.
Q2Students who are Muslim or Syrian find "go home" and "we don't want you here" notes in their lockers, etc.
Q2A woman cannot lead the country. Trump is the best.
Q2Several students have made some inappropriate comments such as "when immigrants came here 100 years ago, were Americans worried that they were stealing our jobs?"
Q2Fuck you
Q2No
Q2Have not witnessed any bullying or biased language.
Q2I'm hearing more homophobic language and general bullying behavior than prior to the election season.
Q2Unfortunately, I am seeing a lot of "bullying" from some of the adults in our school, which makes me very, very sad. We are going through a difficult transition and those who have extremely strong personalities are becoming more forceful, more vocal, and sadly, very clever in making life difficult for their colleagues.
Q2Students are calling each other out when they think they see "racism" or unfairness. There has been concern among teachers and families in regards to the future safety of our families and whether or not we have the same values and beliefs. A public statement was made to reassure families that we will fight for the right for all students to learn and feel safe.
Q2There were students that mimicked that attitude that some people don't belong here. We had to have a discussion about the history of immigration and regards to those that are Indigenous to this land and the immigrants that came to this land. Who gets a right to say who stays and who goes? From the perspective of the Indigenous people of South America, they would be helping a lot of Europeans pack their bags to return to their country. My students watched 500 Nations and we talked about territory like that of California and Texas that originally belonged to the people that some candidates are attempting to send home.
Q2There was a fight between two students this year that was a result of anti-immigrant slurs and promotion of building a wall that one was openly saying before class and in passing. A Mexican student engaged him in a fight based on it.
Q2Yet as I mentioned, it's their math/science teacher that openly criticizes Obama as unworthy of being a president. And promotes anti-immigrant sentiments, although we have a large Hispanic population... And some with family that was deported just last year in our class. He is so insensitive and I know many of my students are afraid to speak up because of his brash demeanor. Interestingly they come into my class commenting about how blunt and rude he is -- as 7th graders many see the errors in his thinking. I only know this by what they offer as they enter - as I do not engage them in bashing other teachers in my presence.
Q2Not really from the campaign, there is biased language about folks with alternate life styles and the people of Asian decent.
Q2Thankfully, my students are wise enough to see that some of the candidates are bullying each other and cutting one another down.
Q2I heard someone say they are worried about Muslims because "only Muslims commit acts of terrorism."
Q2Not at all
Q2Kids do make fun of Donald Trump's over-generalizations and repetition of generalizations as in Trump-style excuses for not doing homework.
Q2"Immigrants are ruining America, they come here and all get on welfare"
Q2Yes, I was told in private by a staffer that they finally agreed with Scalia about his dying. That was awful...thankfully this staffer isn't around students much. Horrible thing to say...he had ten kids and a wife who will miss him. This staffer could have been unknowingly talking to a family member of the deceased justice. No one should be praising anyone's death because they disagree with politics. Unfortunate puerile behavior of the staffer. But the real world is likes it....you have to be able to deal with it.
Q2Students are not allowed to gossip or bully in my classes. However, I have heard from some students that others have bullied them - a Mexican student was told he "will be on the wrong side of the wall", a Muslim student was called a 'terrorist' and immigrant students related that they were targets of unkind remarks.
Q2I have certain children who blame Obama for everything and I know that comes from their parents. I have a presidential poster in my classroom where Obama's eyes of been scratched out when I did my Constitution unit it took forever to make sure the kids understood that the laws were made by the legislators. I still think that some of them do not get this.
Q2The more terrorist bombings, the more kids begin to express bigotry towards Muslims. They begin to agree with Trump.
Q2Students speaking bias without realizing who their audience or peers are or where they come from, and frankly not caring if they do.
Q2Only hearsay but that is an enough, I have witnessed the aftermath of the bullying with upset and frightened students and I teach high school.
Q2I see that too often so I'm not sure how much is an increase or just an empowerment to say it out loud within earshot of adults.
Q2I have seen some biased language and behavior across all political beliefs, mostly from adults in my school. I have seen some intolerance of different political beliefs, I think out of frustration from some of the ridiculous things politicians are saying.
Q2In fact, we have seen the opposite---a rallying of support!
Q2I have not. To the contrary, so far I have only seen teachers trying to ally their students’ fears.
Q2None what so ever.
Q2I've noticed if you disagree with a Democrat you are silenced and shunned like a Nazi prison camp.
Q2"Dirty Muslim." And "I don't mean to be racist but why do you wear that thing I your head?"
Q2No.
Q2Racism is everywhere even in our schools. It comes in different formats towards students, toward staff, and it is something that has to be constantly addressed, but seldom is in the most productive ways.
Q2There is some bias among our kids between the regular ed students and the ELL students. This is not new this year, however.
Q2I cannot believe how many ADULTS don't get it. Many are humiliating students in ways I haven't seen in a long time -- embarrassing them in front of their peers, lashing out, yelling so loud I can hear them 4 classrooms away. Is this a reaction to my previous comment about some politicians encouraging kids not to respect teachers? I'm not sure.
Q2No. The most difficult lesson in this election cycle is how to evaluate the behaviors, motivations, and actions of those seeking squelch free speech, no matter how distasteful in may be. We attempt to teach our students to seek a path of respect of all points of view as we humans are flawed creatures and capable of mistakes and harsh judgments without having all the facts. Basically, we need room to err.
Q2I have heard students talk in these ways, not towards other students, but towards populations of people they are unfamiliar with.
Q2There are people who agree with the notion of openly discriminating against Muslims and immigrants. They think it is the right thing to do because of terrorism or whatever.
Q2No bullying.
Q2Open discussion is always good and used in these types of cases.
Q2The Democrats have made my life unbearable, please make Bernie and Hillary stop acting like they care about America, waaaahhhhhhh.
Q2"Your dad is going have to go back to where he came from" from a student to another student whose father is from another country (in the Middle East). "After Trump gets elected, you're not going to be able to stay here any more" from a student to a student who moved with her family to the U.S. two years ago. "Your family isn't allowed to be here" to another student whose family is from another country (in Europe). "Trump is going to kick out all the Muslims because they're not supposed to be here!" (from a student to the class at large).
Q2“Go back to your sandhole, you terrorist. We don't want you in our country.” Some students nicknamed a Saudi student "ISIS".
Q2My students of color are struggling because some of their parents support these racist ideas, which is very hurtful and confusing for the students.
Q2Students repeat what they hear adults say. They have referred to "Syrian refugees as all terrorists". "Anyone who is a Muslim could be a terrorist". "All the Mexicans are stealing our jobs".
Q2No, none. It's the opposite. Non-Muslim students are defending Muslims. One of my students wrote a beautiful essay about this. I'll include it on this survey.
Q2Middle School students repeating Trump as a means of bullying
Q2A third grade student help up his hands as the shape of a gun and aimed them at a student who is darker complected and called him ISIS.
Q2We have a large immigrant population (Middle-Eastern, largely) relative to other schools in the district. Over the last year or two, there has been an increase in us-vs.-them mentality, often in the form of verbal abuse directed at anyone with a "Muslim-sounding" surname, girls wearing hijabs, and anyone speaking a language other than English. This sentiment, despite serious efforts at No Place for Hate and social justice initiatives, has increased this school year. One of my students was told "You're the reason 9/11 happened" and another was asked if she's a terrorist, for example.
Q2No, thank goodness
Q2Taunts against Muslims, as terrorists, headwear and clothing
Q2None.
Q2Before the campaign I heard an African American child refer to the Latino children as Mexicans.
Q2Only in the poetry referenced above. Our school has a very strong culture of respectfulness for all.
Q2This really hasn't increased or decreased
Q2The derogatory comments are mimicked.
Q2Not that I have witnessed, but I would not be surprised. I do see some divisiveness and lack of concern about violence in our town, school.
Q2I have not witnessed much, just students calling each other out on who they do or do not support.
Q2No
Q2I haven't.
Q2Yes! It is distressing to see my Muslim and Hispanic students worried and taunted by white students after every Republican rally on television and sound clip that makes its way onto social media. I intervene every single time, but I am not on television with national name recognition.
Q2Bullying is a little worse than in the past.
Q2Not at all.
Q2No
Q2Those that support the rhetoric of the campaign are in the minority.
Q2Yes, there has been a huge increase in anti-Muslim speech and bullying of Muslim students. This is of great concern to me and other educators.
Q2Yes, many teachers will joke about the rhetoric among themselves; I am hoping it doesn't go beyond the hallways and/or teacher lounges.
Q2In my World History class, the students are very anti Muslim, even when I keep telling them personal stories of former students who practice the Islamic religion. It is very disheartening that these young people refuse to listen to me.
Q2Not at all. Our school is run very well and students accept all.
Q2None.
Q2No
Q2Mainly one student who feels that Trump's ideas of building a wall will be good for us. The idea of segregation (focusing on Muslims vs. everyone else) should be the way it is here in the US.
Q2At our school, the thing that affects us is the Black Lives Matter rhetoric.
Q2My kids are great and have not openly bullied each other in relation to this stuff, but some kids are clearly more uncomfortable than others about stating their opinions. Though it has not gotten out of hand there is a current of discomfort related to the whole affair.
Q2Secondhand...A teacher reported that a student ask someone if they were worried about the possibility of Trump being elected and the other replied, "no, I'm white" ... Our school population is predominantly black and Hispanic with white students (many also immigrants) as the minority.
Q2No, the main biased language I witness at my school is the incessant use of the n-word. This is has been a years-long complex conversation I've had with our students.
Q2The students that come from homes with Trump supporters are much more willing to be aggressively vocal about their support and willing to shout down opposing points of view. They also break into chants, as if they were cheering on a sporting event, which is not something I have ever witnessed before. It has made students much more comfortable with expressing opinions about minority groups and women that would have been considered verboten just a few short months ago. They relish no longer needing to be "PC".
Q2Student A referred to her friend (student B) as "immigrant" rather than by student B's name. Student A said student B had actually called herself that and so student A felt at liberty to use the term in this way. Student A also said, "Goodbye." and when asked why she said that her reasoning was "Trump is going to send student B away."
Q2People who may have not had a voice to their ignorance and prejudice before are now feeling more and more justified to speak out. Other students are questioning my ELLs more and more about their countries of origin and why they stayed here. Generally other students are showing ignorance in things like thinking, "all Hispanics are from Mexico" or "that Africa is a homogenous country" etc. In ways that are microaggressive. Teachers are generally supportive of students. However, the words "lazy" or "slow" and the insinuations that students are less intelligent without considering their language level have to be corrected more often than they should. When my students walk together some teachers describe them as a "gang." I have to watch in the hallway as their different languages and newness to the norms of a middle-class school in the US make them targets for receiving discipline (for minor infractions that are often overlooked for others) from a few of the staff members.
Q2I have not. But I am the GSA advisor for the school and students are generally pretty careful around me because of my zero tolerance policy for any kind of biased language. It's a huge concern, though. Adolescents are influenced by what they see and hear in the media.
Q2"We need someone that has more republican values,” a student referring to Trump "We have had more black history month facts read this month then the amount of times we have said the pledge" student in February
Q2No. Some may mock Trump but they are clearly mocking him.
Q2I have observed both students and adults being bullies--there is a lot of talk about walls. Student essays have expressed the idea of gathering up immigrants (all!) and shooting them. Parents have requested I lock my doors at all times (I'm in a portable in a gorgeous field in proximity to the playground and PE classes) because of the "unsavory" people on campus (which is our contracted and licensed maintenance and facility district crew--mostly black and Latino). Parents have complained to my principal, referring to me as a lesbian and citing that I do not say the Pledge (not true) because I am a communist (oh, I'm a Bernie fan, which makes me a social democrat, I supposed--however, I was undecided at that time). Uncivil and biased messages have been left on my voicemail, as well, regarding the resharing of a Zinn Education Project regarding Columbus Day. This also reappeared in attacks against me personally. This is decidedly different from previous years, maybe in part because I usually teach the "low" classes; however, this year it appears with the growing vitriolic rhetoric on the daily newsfeed (including FB) makes it open season to be a bully.
Q2Most of my students are in favor of statehood for the island, really. I don't witness any major rhetoric about the topic.
Q2Any unity developed by Mix it up lunchtime has flown out the window.
Q2The worst has been on social media. I have stopped engaging on Facebook because I get blasted for expressing my opinion if it is different from the fanatics. And Mr. Trump and Mr. Cruz have allowed this to happen, along with the media.
Q2A few adults overheated about the election.
Q2We are a pretty left-leaning school but I will say the discourse is not about issues but about the drama of the election.
Q2None
Q2Teacher who are unaware of how the discrimination of the past influences the modern day socioeconomic conditions of their students, were quick to judge the presentation and point the finger at the presentation and not the societal reaction.
Q2Students feel like Trump is racist. Students feel like the US is not ready for a woman to be the President.
Q2I have witnessed ignorant quoting.
Q2No
Q2Nope
Q2Some of my non-Hispanic students have been very vocal about "sending all the Mexicans back" and building the wall on the border.
Q2Biased language is a concern.
Q2The anti-Muslim sentiment is very strong among the students.
Q2I had a colleague question me when I was trying to teach a lesson on tolerance and Muslims. She was not supportive of the lesson and did not want to be in the room. I wanted to present to students just factual information about Islam and how we need to be careful of stereotyping especially when we hear so much negativity in the news. She called what I was doing as propaganda.
Q2At the all white school where I teach "dirty Mexican" has become a common insult. Before election season it was never heard.
Q2White supremacy statements and rhetoric resembling on candidates bigotry.
Q2NO
Q2Haven't seen it at least in my classroom. My students know that it will not be tolerated.
Q2No - my students can't believe how the candidates are handling their campaigns. They resent the levels to which some candidates have stooped.
Q2I have witnessed anti-immigrant language, especially from the African American student population of our school, as well as speech decrying the language diversity at our school - "Why are there all these Spanish speakers?" "These kids need to speak English," etc.
Q2None
Q2No
Q2None
Q2Remarks about minority groups, building walls to keep out the drug people and the criminals. Seems the republican debate has brought the best and worse in students.
Q2Violence is always an issue. Child neglect, abuse, foster care, drugs, prison, poverty, and corruption.
Q2None
Q2No.
Q2Kids saying... All blacks are lazy. They're no good. Same for Hispanics. No smart women running for president. All liars and should go back home At least you're not black People tell me I'm not American because of my skin and religion.
Q2Conservatives speakers are forced to leave and are shut down. Students are echoing DNC talking points.
Q2Yes, from the adults and students.
Q2I have not witnessed any behavior, but folks have shared things that they are uncomfortable with happening in classrooms or in cafeteria settings.
Q2Not yet - but I'm starting my election unit next Month....
Q2I personally heard somebody say Cruz has some good ideas
Q2No have not seen it
Q2There was one student in the school that was talking about wanting to vote for Trump. Many of the students began bullying him because of that belief.
Q2Not in my classes, but have heard of an incident in one honors class in which a student, working in a group, looked at he group members and loudly said I wish Hitler had finished what he started.
Q2Students complaining and teachers complaining about what might happen.
Q2Students seem emboldened to make bigoted and inflammatory statements about minorities, immigrants, the poor, etc. What truly scares me is that these are students in my Advanced Placement classes. Students in my AP class have made comments such as, "the poor don't deserve nice quality houses" when discussing LBJ's HUD program, "a wall would make my quality of life better" when discussing Trump's proposal to build a wall (again-we live in an upper middle class community in MICHIGAN), and "because they are the ones who commit the crimes" when discussing racial inequality and the large percentage of blacks in prison.
Q2I have not witnessed this behavior and I have taught my students strategies to use if they witness this behavior.
Q2I have not, my students know better than to do something like that in my classroom.
Q2Yes, more hatred directed at others.
Q2Ironically yes. While the majority of students have embraced a more tolerant attitude, others have shown a devil may care attitude and one boy said "how can you get mad about me saying that...it is just what I heard on television." He was talking about building a wall so that illegal people cannot cross the border...how he would help build it while a student in that class is a first generation American citizen. She receives ELL services, and while that student may not realize that, I still had to reprimand him and I cringe whenever he wants to enter conversation where he might spew more hate.
Q2Hear statements that come directly from the Trump camp.....we're gonna take back our country....etc...
Q2Students have said, "Well, it's the Muslims." when responding to issues.
Q2My school requires LGBT training for all educators.
Q2It is not so much bullying as it is conversations. I think this is because of how we have tried to address these concerns.
Q2No
Q2Again, check with the older grades.
Q2No
Q2Because of my diverse community I think, I have not heard any teacher or student mimic the rhetoric of the campaign.
Q2No
Q2I have not seen this.
Q2Rhetoric is more combative. I see the influence.
Q2"Racist white people" "Where is the wall going to be built?" "Why can't people stay in their own country?" "Muslims are terrorists" "Make our country white again" "All white people vote for Trump"
Q2I have one student (very knowledgeable and very conservative in his thinking) that has said some very offensive things about Islamic people. In the same class, I have another student that is Islamic who took him on, saying, "you know you have a Muslim here, right?" His response was that she not "really" Islamic. The other students came to her aid immediately.
Q2Somali girls made fun of for religious headgear.
Q2Nonsense
Q2One of the pieces I have heard during the last month is "build a wall" so "those people" can't get in. This morning, a student (8th grade) asked how I felt about the idea of patrolling Muslim neighborhoods. His father agrees with it and thinks the Mexican neighborhoods in the town south of us should be patrolled as well.
Q2Only one incident I have seen so far--regarding KKK
Q2Children have focused on the bluster and innuendo. They were chanting at recess and discussing the candidates’ debates that were name-calling and had sexual references.
Q2No.
Q2These same students are quite biased against African immigrants as well as others in our community. They frequently express anger that immigrants "get everything for free."
Q2I have not we all agree Trump would be a very poor president.
Q2In two cases there have been students who told others to go back where they belong based only on their ethnicity. One student was ridiculed for wearing a head covering.
Q2There is an overall mood of negativity, anger & immature behavior.
Q2In the library, I have heard some adults say, "Muslims need to be dead" and "Muslims should not be in this country." I have heard some claim the problems stem from having President Obama be "an ally to the terrorists since he, too, is a Muslim."
Q2At our school, the thing that affects us is the Black Lives Matter rhetoric.
Q2I heard adults discuss how political correctness (i.e. affirmative action) has hurt their friends at work. For example, they explained that their friend's financial company was forced to promote women who they believed were not qualified and how men were displaced from their higher positions because of reverse discrimination.
Q2Conflict has increased same as the polarization of positions in the general public.
Q2No at all!
Q2No, just lots of strong opinions
Q2My population is very 25% minority and 80% free and reduced lunch. There is bullying that is race related but was present prior to the election cycle.
Q2Muslim students have been harassed by other students and called terrorists. Latino students have been told they should get deported and go back to their country (even if they were born here).
Q2I've heard students discuss the "wall" that will be built between us and Mexico.
Q2I have witnessed amusement at Trump's speeches and tacit approval from both adults and students.
Q2I am an ELL teacher at the middle school level Latino students and other second language learners as well. Some of the Latino boys that I teach were told by another (white) student, "I hope that Donald Trump wins, so that he can send all you Mexicans back to Mexico." The school administration dealt with this matter in an expeditious, judicious manner, and there have been no further instances of this type that I know of. Nonetheless, it is clear that the biased, negative rhetoric of the campaign has made its way into our school, which both angers and saddens me at the same time.
Q2Students running for ASB seem to think attacking other candidates is ok.
Q2We are the victims of hate speech in the campaign, we do not fight among ourselves here.
Q2I have seen/heard/heard about anti Muslim sentiment at school, but not in relation to the campaign.
Q2No....at least not publicly.
Q2None I am surprised by this question because I have not witnessed any of this in my school. We have a very diverse population and they are not polarized in either way from the primaries.
Q2Students discuss deportations and point out those who will be deported versus them not if they are American.
Q2I have found myself in awe of some of the things that co-workers will display, post or discuss on social media. Although this doesn't directly make contact with our students, it really makes me think about how their underlying belief systems impact their daily interactions with our students, who are mostly students of color.
Q2Thankfully, the adults in our school have kept the moral high ground and are modeling appropriate discourse on elections.
Q2At a high school, a group of students wore anti LGBTQ badges on campus. The school held an assembly and anti-bully education. A visit to the Tolerance Education Center followed.
Q2There are two teachers that bully. One asked a child, "What should happen to people who steal?" He answered, "They should go to jail." Next she asked, " What about people who steal an education?" (This child was Black)
Q2Yes U Missou journalism professor intimidating journalists
Q2I have not witnessed bullying or biased language at school- from adults or students- that mimic the rhetoric of the campaign.
Q2I have not heard this from students. They are staying strong and interacting with each other. I am more worried about instructors.
Q2So, far I have not heard type of discussion of such amongst our families, students, or staff here at the school.
Q2One of the teachers was very adamant that he was voting for Trump because Trump would build the wall and stop all those people from coming over. He also said that it was no longer safe to travel to Europe, especially Germany, as they had allowed so many of the refugees into the country.
Q2One of my students has told me that she and several of her friends have been discriminated against because of their religion/nationality. I was appalled, and pressed for names, but she insisted that this happened in high school last year, and at a different college last semester.
Q2Bullying has always existed and instead of making people feel like a victim, we should empower students to handle it. It may lead to a conflict but that will settle it.
Q2Absolutely.... and we try to stop it as soon as possible. We are an alternative school of only 130 students. We know our kids and are able to stop much of this before it begins, but I have heard so much ignorance when it comes to religion, immigrant status, gender issues this year. As a staff, we are not afraid to tackle those topics openly and honestly, which helps stop and prevent bullying and biased treatments.
Q2As educators, we try to keep political discussions around educational issues--including educating immigrants of which my community has very few. However, my state is one in which is the lower paying in the country and seems to not value teachers as much as the test and passing students to the next grade just for the "numbers". Because of this, many of the people I have spoke to think alike and support similar political beliefs. With that said, I have heard no bullying from adults but have heard some insensitive comments students such as how stupid a certain candidate is...
Q2None -- majority are disgusted with what is going on especially with Trump
Q2We have a very tolerant campus. We have leadership with vision and cooperation and engagement is the order of the day. I am proud to work in this school. Students speak up because they know they can and adults model the behavior that allows the students to feel safe.
Q2Not really.
Q2No
Q2I have not witnessed this, because the students at the school where I teach are the ones made vulnerable by the bullying rhetoric.
Q2We have a very large immigrant population, and therefore, the majority of our school community is anti-Trump.
Q2No
Q2As I stated above, a student has been targeted because of his race and harassed for being a member of Isis.
Q2I have heard rumors that there is a teacher pulling students aside to talk to them about political issues because the teacher disagrees with them. This is seen as a negative by the students.
Q2No.
Q2As we cover things like the Great Society and Civil Rights Movement in US history, or especially Japanese Internment Camps, kids seem more willing to speak in favor of Internment or ending welfare assistance.
Q2The students tend to respond to offensive name calling by calling names back. The adults are avoiding the topic.
Q2No
Q2None
Q2One student told another to "Go back to Africa"
Q2No.
Q2Some of my fellow teachers are very happy to see Donald Trump as a candidate, and are actively campaigning for him. Students ask me why is it ok for adults to speak disrespectfully about entire groups of people and they (students) get in trouble if they do?
Q2No, I haven't
Q2No bullying - but the kids are echoing what they hear on television. They have referred to "building a wall" when they didn't want to sit by people (to all kids not just to Hispanic)
Q2The SPLC keeps calling me a right wing extremist because I own a gun. Get a life, turds.
Q2I have witnessed significantly less bullying or biased language during this election cycle than in 2008.
Q2It is worst in 8th grade- I am a paraprofessional in a K-8.
Q2Students in US History participate in current events, and that often spills over to my classroom afterward. These students name call, praise politicians for being rude, and repeat racist comments they hear on TV.
Q2There have been some biased name calling to some of our students of color here, but I did not witness it.
Q2Students joke about the Middle Eastern students carrying explosives. Some conversations from adults do mimic the campaign rhetoric and talk radio.
Q2We are a single gender (young women) public school so, in general, some of the misogynistic language used by some candidates is not repeated here, but there is very definitely implicit bias that affects teacher/ student discussions.
Q2Yes. I have defused incidences in my class because of some one comment about the news.
Q2Students have become very hostile to opposing points of view, regardless of the topic. Any division seemingly now elicits anger and personal attacks.
Q2The debate about Ms. Clinton being allowed to run for president when she is under a serious investigation goes on.
Q2A teacher called a Muslim student's mother "scary" because she wears a Niqab covering her face except for the eyes.
Q2An employee at school told me (the ENL teacher) that she is frustrated that ENL students are pulling resources from our white students (apparently she thinks only non-white speak other languages).
Q2As the Civil Rights Team advisor, I do hear about these events although I personally have not witnessed them. Increased graffiti in the restrooms and comments made to instill discomfort/fear have been reported to me and then passed along to administration.
Q2None. Our students don't agree with what is being said, in general.
Q2Sadly, biased language is often interpreted as bullying. I have been doing this over 20 years, and never have I seen such intolerance for differing opinions.
Q2I have a couple students in particular who are very Pro-Trump (in many ways because their parents are). It's been interesting to navigate fostering respect for their opinions and balancing how their opinions are often biased.
Q2Not really. I've seen the opposite. People have been talking about their disgust at the hateful rhetoric they've heard.
Q2All Muslims need to be deported. All Muslims are terrorists. All Mexican people are drug dealers, or at least partake in illegal drug use. Etc.
Q2Nope
Q2No
Q2Not at all.
Q2Not really
Q2More togetherness, believe it or not. Most of my students have the same thing in common. Apparently, the US hates them.
Q2Lucky enough not to hear these things from our student body. But extremely disturbed by what I hear happening in other schools around the country.
Q2No
Q2The students still associate Muslim with Terrorist, and that has increased yearly. This year, however, there is more bullying than ever, because we model it so well in the political debates, especially towards the LGBTQ communities and other non- Christian religions.
Q2Comments are made on a regular basis that follows the rhetoric from the campaign. It doesn't necessarily mimic it.
Q2NA
Q2We mostly have teachers who see the unreasonable and idiotic ways of the campaign, but it does expose some of those that are more underground with their beliefs (that are over-stereotypical bordering on bigoted or racist but it never boiled to the surface before). They remain quiet amongst teacher conversations or they offer a defense or re-statement of the quote to defend some point that was made. Nothing fracturing yet, but it is uncomfortable so most teachers are shying away from all talk of the campaign rhetoric and not addressing anything with kids under the rationale that they are "too young."
Q2We have a very tolerant campus. We have leadership with vision and cooperation and engagement is the order of the day. I am proud to work in this school. Students speak up because they know they can and adults model the behavior that allows the students to feel safe.
Q2None!
Q2Students skipped school to attend a Trump rally and spoke to journalists (giving their names and the name of our school) using inflammatory and bigoted language. Now they themselves are targeted by left-leaning students.
Q2Heard a teacher ridiculing students based on ethnic heritage. Derogatory comments by students to female students.
Q2Not at school but among members of the county
Q2I have not witnessed bullying or biased language, but I have heard other teachers express frustration with their students' comments when discussing current events.
Q2No
Q2Yes! I am not bringing up the election in class after hearing the aftermath of the fights in our small high school. Name calling, disrespect, fighting...
Q2So far, I have not seen any bullying from teachers or students on language or the color of their skin. We have over 90% population of Hispanics.
Q2None
Q2Against Muslim students.
Q2No
Q2I have not. We try to carefully vet our staff -- and at least have of them are minorities who are well respected by our students.
Q2I was told to go back to Mexico
Q2YES! Students vs. Student. Republican vs. Democrat All the things listed in the previous question. Some teachers bully other teachers with biased and judgmental comments that are often not solicited. The administrator has told a teacher NOT to speak opinions, but others are not censored al all!
Q2No, we don't allow that at our school. However, I have noticed some extra tension in the black students. The scenes of black people being beaten and ejected from Trump's rallies is very upsetting to them.
Q2Only one student who uses Trump's wall-building language, without even understanding why Trump wants that wall. Here, students find Trump's words frightening and abhorrent, something to organize against.
Q2One student is a Trump fan - most students are very vocal about disliking Trump but no students have made it personal.
Q2No
Q2These are the comments I have heard: "You're going to get deported." "If Trump gets elected president, all of us Black people are going to have to go back to Africa." "Trump is racist." "Muslims don't belong here." "Trump's got balls. He is racist, I'll give you that." "I don't want Trump to become president."
Q2A student walked into the class during student news and saw the image of Trump on the screen in a brief clip and yelled out, "Donald Trump!"
Q2I hear students say they don't like Blacks because they are dirty, they can't be trusted and they will hurt you. Colleagues who don't speak to you because of the color of your skin or because you won't denounce your race. They want you to shut up to the injustices that are going on so I can like you. " Go along to get along" You stand alone for what is right. Most districts are using the hiring practices of 20ish white women to replace senior teachers. Hispanic and Blacks are hardly hired all in small suburban area of Connecticut.
Q2Most of the rhetoric we here is strong opinions for against certain candidates. Most of the individuals in our Not-For-Profit treatment program are concerned that certain groups, especially the mentally ill are being portrayed in a very negative way.
Q2The negativity permeates every conversation - the views of adults and students are surprising - especially those that think it entertaining. My students somewhat disregard their Hispanic classmates, they certainly do not understand the potential deportation of their classmates parents.
Q2The only thing I noticed was a White student who was concerned about gun control. There have been issues of colorism at my school for years. The campaign has not increased or affected this to my knowledge.
Q2I have not seen anything at all like that, thank goodness.
Q2We have one teacher in particular who shows an obvious negative bias towards students of color, however, the administrator feels that this woman is a good teacher, her actions since the campaign started have become more bold and overt.
Q2I am so relieved that I have not. However, I did have a White student tell a Mexican student that she was going to be deported. She had heard her parents talking and didn't get the full gist of the conversation. Though it was initially misconstrued as bullying, a couple of conversations later, we all realized that this child was actually trying to figure out a way to solve the problem. Still, it had been very hurtful and concerning.
Q2The only things I've seen are the blanket statements like "Hillary Clinton is a liar" or "Trump hates Mexicans" like how candidates make inflammatory statements worth no basis. If I ask them to explain what they mean, they have no facts. I try to teach them how to think and ask for details/evidence.
Q2Just that some of what my students say is misinformation.
Q2No.
Q2YES
Q2Just in general, more likely to engage in it.
Q2No cases of direct bullying in relation to the campaign- just overall fear from students. On top of the stress of being from low socio-economic class, Common Core and PARCC Testing, this is additional stress these kids don't need. It's terrible.
Q2I teach in a school with students who are predominantly Latino. One of my Caucasian students is outspoken about his support for Trump, and stated his hope that Trump wins so "illegal Mexicans are deported." I spoke to him privately about being respectful. His mother then emailed our assistant principal to complain about me, also reporting that her son thinks I am a "sexist" because I talk about Hillary Clinton. I have decided not to talk about politics anymore - a missed learning experience for certain.
Q2No.
Q2Yes, I have witnessed students telling other students they'll be deported if Trump wins. As a counselor I've had to intervene with Latino students to calm their fears and to give them a safe space to share how frustrated they feel that society thinks Latinos like them and their parents are criminals. Some students are crying in the classroom and having meltdowns at home. Some are expressing that there is no hope for their future because everyone in the US (black or white thinking) thinks of Latinos as criminals. Parents have made appointments with me to ask for advice on how to talk to their kids about the election and how to help ease their fears.
Q2There has been a push by African American students and teachers to have native Spanish speaking students not to speak in Spanish to each other.
Q2Many white students are being immediately called "racist" by students of color for making any comment about race or expressing favor towards Trump. Other students claim that they look forward to "building a wall." The school is becoming divided in a way between Trump and non-Trump supporters.
Q2None. Our students are more likely to defend someone without enough facts to really back up their words rather than lash out against someone because of prejudice. So I guess it's a prejudice the other direction. Wait, I have to change that: incidents of anti-Republican and anti-conservative bias have increased, and generally the opinions of kids about people who are not from the city are more negative than before. They say they can't believe how someone like Trump is listened to by anyone, and that he's a clown. We don't encourage it, but it's difficult not to wonder the same things ourselves. Came back to this because I just remembered: some kids in the 4th grade have begun a campaign to figure out WHO IS AWESOMEST!!!!! Unfortunately, one of the latest posters said, "Bring any weapons you want," which is highly unusual for our kids.
Q2No, overblown in media, or our school is "exempt"
Q2None
Q2Yes. One Hmong-American student called a Mexican-American student a dirty Mexican. We had a long conversation about the impact of not only reality TV but now a presidential candidate saying such racist words with no consequence.
Q2More degrading comments towards woman and girls, then the offenders pretending they were joking. By adults and kids.
Q2A few of the staff members, but all that I have heard has been light and implied, not direct or even at a student (that I have seen).
Q2None...Mind you, I am not a classroom teacher.
Q2I have witnessed biased language from students regarding Trump’s campaign. They are rejoicing in the violence at the rallies. I believe this is unhealthy.
Q2One of my Muslim students was bothered about her history teacher's support of Trump
Q2I have heard kids tell our Mexican students to "go back to Mexico" and I have been told that some of the kids are bullied verbally. It is often difficult to prove and I am not sure what to do about it.
Q2No
Q2There are some teachers in my school who have spoken out against "illegal" immigration and have openly stated that Trump is doing the right thing.
Q2However, teaching them how to voice their opinions without hate has been a challenge. In the midst of their own hormonal changes, they tend to respond to people by mimicking their behaviors; hence, discussions often begin with mini-Trump behaviors, giving me teachable moments on how to engage in polite but direct discourse. :)
Q2My students are 6/7th graders. They express fear rather than anger, although there are a few that will lash out at others who express views that differ from their own.
Q2Not within our school (we're an extremely diverse high school & city) but when our students leave our safe community for... Sports matches in other areas or against other school, when in public in groups, and online, the harassment is real & it's scary to many.
Q2A lot of anti-Muslim sentiments
Q2No
Q2The issue is white supremacy (in general) not anti-immigrant sentiment. [My college] is hosting Whiteness History Month in April. Some staff and students misunderstand what that means and have been in very vocal opposition to it.
Q2A student wore a "make America great again" hat and another student said to him, " you know Donald Trump hates women." And the student wearing the hat replied, “So does Hillary Clinton." What do I do with that????
Q2My students are wonderful. We did an activity on racism and stereotyping. My students showed very little bias toward any group. Actually, they were bothered by any stereotyping.
Q2Harrassment.
Q2I have heard it in a couple of instances mostly around the "building a wall" stuff.
Q2I have not witnessed this but that doesn't mean it's not happening. But my students have connected the work we've done around being an upstander vs. a bully to the fact that he says disrespectful and racist things about people who are different than he is.
Q2No
Q2No bullying because of the escalated hate speech that is being promoted by the media--just hurt & fear!
Q2I had one student comment that there were too many "Mexicans" in the classroom. When one student (from Honduras) told him she found his comment offensive, he told her once Trump is elected she will be gone anyway. In another classroom, where I co-teach, a group of boys called another boy (from India) ISIS.
Q2I have mostly have Bernie Sander supports, and Donald Trump supports. Now that Rubio is out of the race, I have students that are disillusioned by all the rhetoric.
Q2If anything I believe the negativity and the racist comments of Donald Trump have caused adults at my school to react the opposite way -- with more compassion and sharing negative thoughts about HIM!
Q2Yes, kids talking about "how great it will be when Trump is President because he'll bring back slavery and take black children from their parents"
Q2It has come from outside of the school. A local conservative talk show host found out that we were having world hijab day celebration at our school and was able to use that to direct lots of anti Muslim thoughts and ideas towards our school. Luckily our school community is strong and we were able to celebrate the day.
Q2Usually students: Obama is a Muslim who is destroying our country.
Q2No. I've witnessed fearfulness about a future led by hate.
Q2I have not, but other teachers in my building have.
Q2Black 4th grade students told by a white student that they don't belong in that school because they're black. Students have been in that school for years.
Q2Just the usual. This is Vermont. Most of my students have never seen or met a Muslim. It is not on their immediate visible radar. Our kids are more concerned about invasive species in rural Vermont. That is why we as teachers must put it on their radar by how we craft our units.
Q2So far, the biased language has been more parroting what the candidates are saying about each other instead of different groups of Americans.
Q2I teach in a very diverse, K-8 dual language expeditionary learning school that represents many different segments of our city. I have not heard one single example of this going on at our school, and I feel so blessed to be working at such an amazing school site!
Q2Students at my school have identified Muslim classmates by saying they "look like ISIS".
Q2Yes, students talking to students from Mexico about the wall that is going to keep them and their families out. Some of these students were born in the United States and have never spent a day in Mexico.
Q2No that does not mean it is not happening outside on campus.
Q2I have not- just the opposite. But we are an unusual school district.
Q2Some of our 8th grade students were allegedly using Spanish in class to say mean things about other students and staff members. Rather than having an open dialogue about the situation with students and parents, our admin and middle school teachers told the students and parents not to speak Spanish at school. Another teacher took it a step forward and allegedly said "you're in America now, you have to speak English." Overall many teachers come from traditional middle class white Christian backgrounds and are not accepting of students that are different from their norms. Some conversations include "these kids are in a school in the United States and they have to conform" ...when a student has a different worldview. It's been an uphill battle as I am a minority teacher.
Q2I have not witnessed this, but I worry I will. None of my students have yet reported it, and they know I will immediately take action of they are bullied or threatened.
Q2Yes. Difficult responding from cell phone.
Q2None.
Q2Pro White American sentiment Hateful comments about transgender student
Q2No
Q2Mostly it's that students didn't think grown adults would seriously act this way.
Q2The anti immigrant sentiment is offensive and ignorant. There is no rational foundation to support radical immigration ideas proposed by the current frontrunner potential Republican Presidential candidate that dominates the news daily. His ignorant, Muslim, black and Hispanic hate is not material I am comfortable addressing or explaining in a U.S. History class. Students are agreeing that solutions to problems are simple and agree with solutions proposed by Trump who says what he feels and will make changes as he sees fit to do so. I am scared for this nation's future with a bi partisan government system that is breaking down before our eyes.
Q2More students mimic Donald Trump; they view him as a caricature.
Q2I have heard sexist remarks about Clinton by students and parents. I have heard a lot of racist remarks about Mexicans and Muslims.
Q2A number of the older white men teachers are frequently less than diplomatic towards ELL students and this will get worse I fear over the year.
Q2Not yet. I have a good principal and excellent deans and concerned teachers and staff who do not accept bullying and biased language, but unfortunately I am sure it is just around the corner.
Q2No bullying
Q2I have not, as our school is not very diverse.
Q2No
Q2I have not witnessed it at my school but a few colleagues have discussed that the rhetoric is heavy at their school with people thinking AMERICA will be grate again!! And the question is making it great again for who?
Q2I have heard co-workers complain about this generation's supposed apathy and how things are going "downhill." They are very pessimistic.
Q2No
Q2Thankfully, we have not had any incidents of bullying or biased language reported that mimics this rhetoric, but I am very concerned that we will as political issues progress.
Q2Adults in the school are talking about it and I worry because they may support Trump for one reason or another. They will vote for him, even though they might not agree with everything he says.
Q2The atmosphere among the students is shock and outrage
Q2I have not witnessed this, and we are actively discussing what students think about this approach during the campaign. Is it appropriate? Is it effective? What is the impact?
Q2No
Q2No, our problems tend to be within the students/ groups making inappropriate comments on Haitians or Mexicans. This year it focuses more on romantic spats.
Q2The atmosphere among the students is shock and outrage
Q2I have not heard that rhetoric spoken
Q2We can present platforms of various candidates and discuss pros and cons. This election has unearthed unusual topics such as the wives of those running.
Q2Students are showing more signs of bullying now and use the excuse that if those running for office can do this so can we. They are using words from both democrats and republicans as their evidence of bad behavior. They ask why should we have to if the political leaders of our country are not.
Q2None
Q2In my class a few students who dislike Donald Trump will sometimes mimic his sayings and behaviors, not always realizing how offensive it is.
Q2Many students share their parents view point yet are not sure on how to voice them. Many students will say facts that they think are true but in reality they are false. Students are reluctant to talk about particular candidates in fear of bullying from other students.
Q2Some students at my school will mimic Donald Trump by his voice or re-state ideas/claims they have heard him say or their parents say. Also, we were writing open letters and two boys were writing separate letters next to each other, both to Donald Trump, stating everything he was doing wrong.
Q2None
Q2Students use violent language to express their disapproval of Donald Trump. Students single out the Muslim student in our class.
Q2I have not.
Q2No
Q2That the Hispanic people are not all what he says they are because they know of several people that are taking advantage of our Govt system.
Q2I have not.
Q2I have not seen explicit bullying. However, many of my students have openly expressed that they want to keep jobs and benefits for "real" Americans--even within classes that include immigrants and students from a variety of diverse backgrounds.
Q2Not exactly. Students are subtle about it and it is not a topic that we frequently discuss. Early in the year, a number of students would announce, "Trump for president" during class. We had a few discussions and I finally banned that particular candidate's name from my classroom.
Q2I was bullied by fellow teachers when I attempted to get an amendment passed for our Teacher Union's Constitution. I was sent nasty emails stating I was anti-union for trying to update/change our Constitution, though I was following the proper protocol. Our Union President did not support the amendment proposal, and though it had to go for a vote, due to our Constitution's guidelines, he told other building representatives to discourage support at their building. One person taunted me stating, after I told her to stop inboxing me, if I am so scared, I should not have tried to change anything, that our union is great the way it is.
Q2Bullying from students.
Q2Nothing except surprise that Trump is garnering the number of votes that he has.
Q2No more than normal. For the ones seriously involved, there is a little harsher rhetoric, but beyond them not much.
Q2None to speak of. Students trust our counselor and admin team, so I know that if they felt there was any biased language from teachers or students, they'd say so.
Q2My students have a limited understanding of the people, politics, and geography of the Middle East.
Q2No
Q2There have been many conversations about candidates that begin, but get dropped when it gets awkward. I feel that the election has had a silencing effect on our normal political discussions. Many of our staff know how I feel about my students and avoid the conversation. The students' home realities are not discussed because people are afraid to talk about much beyond the curriculum. This pushes students' true concerns to the background even when their behavior may be related to the stress caused by our national discord and blaming.
Q2Some of the teachers have posted on social media and in conversation the same way. They speak of immigrants from Mexico and the Middle East as unwelcome outsiders.
Q2I have witnessed the reaction to political bullying. One ESL student remarked of some comments from Donald Trump, "I am shock. That is bully!"
Q2I have not observed any of that.
Q2Definitely an anti-Trump bias and ridicule for those who might support Trump.
Q2I have not.
Q2In LS classrooms teachers reporting kids using strong language such as "I hate _____!"
Q2One student gleefully informed my Hispanic students that when Trump is elected their families will be deported to Mexico. There was appropriate administrative action about the words (a listening session between the student and Hispanic students) but the behavior is still there, although subtle. His Trump t-shirt, worn every day, is viewed as threatening (but he does have the right to wear it... although I'm not so sure that it doesn't interfere with learning).
Q2I don't care to share disgraceful behavior
Q2We have been addressing the impact of hurtful words on our confidence and emotional well being.
Q2The support for Trump has polarized the school community and resulted in unprecedented accusations based on perceived or know political affiliations
Q2Anti-immigrant sentiment is becoming more openly spoken aloud... Students love to talk about "the wall."
Q2No more than usual. Certainly the anti-Muslim bias is in the news, as well as anti-immigration, especially here in Arizona.
Q2no
Q2None. Adults may be acting polite, or are so distant from the power brokers they don't bother with it.
Q2None seen.
Q2No. Have not.
Q2none
Q2I had a student who was opening a door to let others out of the cafeteria ask for visas or green cards when Hispanic students passed. This county is pretty much 50% Hispanic origin. The principal called in parents whose reaction was that it could have been something worse.
Q2I have witnessed it for 20 years.
Q2No
Q2None
Q2Initially, Muslim students did hear comments. We discussed when and how to respond and how other students can show support for our fellow Muslim students. Our Rally, interfaith week, and support from faculty, staff and administration have had a strong impact on letting students know that any type of anti-Muslim rhetoric is not tolerated on our campus.
Q2No, but in the past anti-LGBT rhetoric during campaigns gave students "permission to hate openly.
Q2Nope, as much as that might happen elsewhere, they are very respectful of each other
Q2Not happening, thank goodness.
Q2None that I can attribute to the politics of the day.
Q2One of my students belongs to the Sikh faith and his family has experienced violence. A family member was beat up because he was "Muslim." He said people call out racist things to him and his family because of their turbans and the women's hijabs.
Q2I have a student who is from Turkey in my class. He has had some rough times out of school with some students from our school; which is brought into school. Sad. We are trying to help him to handle the bullying and discrimination he is facing. One of the candidates who is against immigration is not making this easier.
Q2Lots of hate talk and people arguing.
Q2Thankfully, no.
Q2None! Not permitted either.
Q2None that I have witnessed.
Q2I have not heard nor heard of this happening.
Q2Our students state minority people have no power. They wonder why white people have a hard time giving President Obama credit for all he has done since being in office.
Q2I have not witnessed this at my school.
Q2Huge problem is students uttering to their classmates what they hear at home, and then the school having no recourse as they won't have parent back up. For example, in the middle school I work at a student said to another, "When Trump wins you and your family will get sent back." What does a teacher do? I can assure you that if a student says that loudly and brazenly in class far worse is happening in the hallway.
Q2I haven't.
Q2No.
Q2Our Muslim students have felt more hate and bias from the other students this year.
Q2Hindu students are being called terrorists. The lack of education on religion and origin coming from home, is being placed into students being bullied and harassed.
Q2For over 23 years we have had a huge festival at the end of the year celebrating all the nations represented in our school. This is the first year we've had a parent write a letter questioning why we are focusing on other countries when we should be only talking about the American flag and Americans. They said we would be better teachers if we only taught about America. We have over 26 languages spoken by our students and though we always include an American or Native American dance in our program we have so many other rich cultures to study and explore so we, of course, didn't change a thing.
Q2Students are repeating racial slurs from parents more frequently and openly since the election season has started.
Q2Hindu students are being called terrorists. The lack of education on religion and origin coming from home is being placed into students being bullied and harassed.
Q2Some of the nicest people suddenly became raging bigots! Mostly because they were NIMBYs who did not want a refugee camp in their rich neighborhood. A good friend justified her nastiness because she had experienced 9/11. There has not been an issue because of the refugees here, but events in nearby Cologne at New Year's have been taken as another excuse for hate.
Q2We are a great small school and there is no outcry bully but it is not as calm as usual either.
Q2I haven't witnessed any--but students know they can't get away with that behavior around me.
Q2Students only e.g. why don't we just bomb them?
Q2No, they just can't understand how he can get away with how he attacks people of differing opinions.
Q2No, they just can't understand how he can get away with how he attacks people of differing opinions. Me either.
Q2None. In fact, we just spoke about this yesterday as we are doing a unit on the Holocaust and my students feel they are pretty safe here at school. They said some bullying does occur, but they know what to do if they are the victim or a bystander.
Q2A lot of my white male students have been much more open about criticizing female students' appearances and weights (like Trump).
Q2Nothing like that has been witnessed.
Q2My students are only expressed concern about the threat of terrorism and fear of Muslims.
Q2I have been informed about bullying incidents and have heard biased language that we address as a class or a school; however, I cannot say whether it mimics rhetoric of the campaign or whether the incidents would have occurred regardless of campaign rhetoric.
Q2At lunch, the students use foul language and usually stop when I tell them, but there has been a definite increase in the language. Now, when I tell them to stop, they retort "Hey, if Trump can use that language and he is gunna be President, then why can't I?!"
Q2Students freely expressing ideas of racial superiority
Q2There is a lot of anti-free-speech language, which is disheartening
Q2Of course there's biased language from students but I haven't witnessed bullying and I'm sure there is. I haven't seen it from the staff/adults.
Q2I have witnessed educators be outspoken about a certain Republican candidate-just saying, "what we all think." A great deal of negativism and slurs of anti-Obama in any venue or way they can.
Q2Thankfully, I have not. Most see Trump as a comedian and haven't actually brought his hatred into conversation.
Q2Some students have repeated the ideas that we need to keep immigrants out of our country, we wary of those not like them, and that Darren Wilson was justified in his shooting of Mike Brown.
Q2None
Q2"When we build a wall, we won't have to worry about your kind." "You have small hands!"
Q2No
Q2I overhear it at times. However, the polite social graces of school community seem to mask some of the sentiments of students and staff. Regardless of this, it is more apparent to those of color because they know the actions and rhetoric and the silence that accompanies of such sentiments.
Q2The climate in my school is such that a student who supports the Republican Party, especially Donald Trump, might not feel comfortable sharing their views. Students regularly speak jokingly and negatively about Trump. I have not seen any direct bullying based on this however. As noted above, I have heard students accuse other students of only supporting Clinton for her gender.
Q2No
Q2NO!
Q2Have not
Q2I have had a student come up to me and say, "He called me an immigrant! Is that bad?" It broke my heart to see such a reaction. It is now being interpreted as an insult to call someone an immigrant. I am working to change that in my classroom, especially with our unit on 20th century immigration.
Q2We have quite a few Muslim students and they have reported that some other students have made comments to them about being "terrorists."
Q2The most biased language I've experienced since I've been at this school (first year) has been against the poor, who are apparently lazy, just in it for the money, and could do better if they just tried. I've had students say that if we raise minimum wage to $15 the poor would just go buy drugs.
Q2We certainly have our issues here; students and teachers have heard negative, discriminatory language. However, to my knowledge, it hasn't been connected to the campaign.
Q2No.
Q2I witnessed students on a field trip to NY City yell insults and stick up their middle fingers at Trump Soho. There were people standing out front dressed in tuxedos and ball gowns, so I found it especially egregious as who are my students to behave so inappropriately towards people they don't even know and who were innocently minding their own business and happened to be standing outside Trump Soho. I have no idea who they were or why they were there.
Q2Not at the school. But my students are aware because when I prompt them to talk about their views of the importance of using language that is not vague or vulgar, they mention the candidates and what their speeches mean to the communities.
Q2None
Q2No--no more than any other year.
Q2None
Q2In one particular class, a student spoke about immigrants as "those people" and voiced his support for keeping all immigrants and Muslims out in the name of national security. A student who is the daughter of legal immigrants was hurt and angry at her friend, and she shared an open letter with the class. There have been times of difficult discussion in the aftermath, but students have shared that it was necessary.
Q2Thank heavens I have not. My students are adamantly against Trump and think he is a buffoon. One student insists that the system will prevent us from any of Trump's rhetoric becoming policy, but then others point out that's the same thing Germany's Jews said about Hitler.
Q2I tried to teach about the #BlackLivesMatters campaign, but I was swiftly silenced by administrators in the building, who allowed white students to transfer out of my class, and who told me never to teach about it again.
Q2Mostly students have talked about candidates and what they like or dislike about them.
Q2The administration is refusing to let our transgender and lesbian students to where slacks under their graduation gown. They say a student is not allowed to walk at graduation if they do not wear a skirt. Hearing about what's happening here in Georgia and in NC, this is highly disheartening for our students.
Q2Use of words like loser and deadbeat. Also, a lot of questioning about the migrant workers in our area as "illegals", they are not.
Q2The subject is broached more often and students in my class 'try' to be PC. They are not intentionally being mean and I can redirect the direction of the discussion and it moves along smoothly.
Q2What I see most commonly is the complete perpetuation of negative stereotypes. If there is discussion of Latinos there is the assumption that they are all illegal. If there is discussion about Muslims or Islam then they are all terrorists and radical ideology. I have also witnessed that often the most vocal voices seem to be the most uninformed and culturally incompetent which is scary to me i.e. confusing Sikhs as Muslims etc.
Q2No, I have not witnessed direct bullying or biased language from adults or students when in a teaching situation. However, the thoughts exist and persist within 'quiet' conversations.
Q2Teachers are generally careful with their political opinions about immigrants and language since I am an English Language Learner teacher. I have in the past heard comments and believe that people do "talk" and have their opinions that are anti-immigrant. However, if and when those discussion take place. I am quick to defend and provide factual information about immigrants, immigration policy, and so forth. In addition, on a separate occasion, I have had another middle school student this year take the position with me that illegal aliens "need to be sent back to their countries" and that if they want to be here then they should have proper documentation, if they don't they should be "kicked out." Again, this led me to discuss immigration policy, reform, and the actual process of obtaining legal documents. It seemed to be a productive conversation, but sadly the views this student had projected is something he was taught by his parents and will continue to most likely believe, rather than the fact.
Q2Not really
Q2Definitely and for the students I do not teach, in particular, there is an edge that's bringing up other prejudices that are part of our fabric, Deep South that we are. Our kids mix well and most of our Muslim population is active-duty military and more accepted. Thank goodness my lessons are flexible and students know when they base their observations (written and oral) on fact, their opinions are more valid. The students who love the spectacle of Trump, Cruz, and Rubio (and they are not fooled by the supposed adult behavior of Kasich, btw because they know whining and complaining as a part of anger!) will admit they like the Jerry Springer-like spectacle, but think the office of the Presidency is more important than street fighting. We are working on more substance than spectacle, the role of the bystander in history, and their responsibility as young citizens. "This I Know" from Southern Poverty Law Center is our next foray and while this will be a personal narrative assignment, not necessarily political, I anticipate we are never far from what is a constant bombardment of political silliness, etc.
Q2Kids telling other kids that soon they will be deported.
Q2The kids do talk about what is being said with disappointment.
Q2None, but we have an increase of bullying based on cultures
Q2No I think most students understand the issue and that it is complicated, but where do we draw the line?
Q2I have not witnessed any bullying or biased language at my school by students or faculty.
Q2I am a middle school principal. We have had numerous situations of bias-based bullying during this school year. Students have openly taunted Latino and Muslim students, saying, "When Trump is President, you're going to get deported." There have also been cases of students just going up to other students and saying, "Trump Trump. Trump" in a taunting tone.
Q2Some vocational instructors and academic teachers express in a public way that Trump is good because he says it like it is and he isn't politically correct.
Q2YES! I had a student call Obama a terrorist.
Q2No, in fact my students have pointed out how racist and inappropriate Trump is.
Q2Not at school.
Q2We do have a bully problem at the school by administration, some staff, a few students. This has been going long before this campaign. The school does work shops for the kids, and programs, not for themselves. The state requires them to have so many. Unfortunately they do not feel they have a problem. I feel what is taking place in the campaigns is what's been going on in our schools for a long time.
Q2Not observed.
Q2No.
Q2Our school is a very inclusive, safe environment for all students.
Q2I have not witnessed this behavior. Thank goodness
Q2No
Q2Not in my school, but certainly with adults in the larger community and on social media.
Q2None, yet.
Q2Yes! Students have used the support of candidates as a "dis".
Q2I have not seen any students mimicking behaviors of politicians yet, but that is my fear in the long term. My current students are at an age where they are isolated from the nastiness unless a parent doesn't monitor well the news in the home. However, if the ugly trend we see in candidates continues over several election cycles I fear that the good work we educators have made to stem the tide of bullying will be overcome by a new wave of bad role models who will undermine the progress we have made over the last ten years.
Q2Have seen adults bullying other adults, as Donald Trump have done.
Q2no
Q2I have seen none. My students have been taught to not listen to rhetoric, but stay focused on what the specific powers a president is allowed: To enforce the laws of the land
Q2Heard many students talking about it, laughing about it, and worried.
Q2No. I show clips of Repubs and everyone winces. I show Bernie and everyone cheers.
Q2Certain people have gotten mad about social media and made ugly comments about "idiots" who follow one candidate or another. It has made it an uncomfortable subject that is mostly avoided unless with like-minded cronies. A lot of Sanders bashing goes on, and I have to bite my tongue at some of the misinformation spouted out. There have been a lot of things said semi-jokingly, but sort of serious underneath. As a conservative Democrat, it is difficult to be in a mostly Republican district and school.
Q2I have been told that one teacher shows a strong bias toward the conservative point of view and proudly expresses his distaste for gay marriage. He would be a tiny minority at our school if this is true. Nearly all teachers I know strive to remain neutral with students, but the majority has what I would call a progressive point of view, particularly when it comes to tolerance.
Q2Only as stated above.
Q2No, I have not witnessed it.
Q2Not at this time.
Q2With the very few students that have made anti immigrant comments, I question them and try to have them explain their comments in an effort to get them to think about things more in depth and avoid a lecture where they will most likely tune me out. This is an effort to get them to realize the contradictions of their statements, that their comments are often misinformation, etc. For example: an African American student here made comments to me that Mexicans were taking our jobs, taking her money. In another sentence, she said they don't work or contribute. I asked her why she thinks that, where she heard that. She didn't really have an answer...We spoke at length and although I can't say that I've changed her mind, I got her to think about not only the stark contradiction but to try and see things from an immigrants perspective and to speak about how racism has affected her as well and how she felt knowing that she was contributing to harming others with those stereotypes. Other than that, I honestly feel as though the rhetoric of the campaign (by some) is more a mimic of middle school and a child's conflict than the other way around!
Q2After an anti-bullying assembly, I had students tell me it isn't bullying, they're just 'telling it like it is.'
Q2No. Not yet.
Q2Some staff members, not teachers, have expressed agreement with limiting admittance of Muslims to USA even if cleared or ties to terrorism. This is frightening to teachers who are much more liberal. Makes teaching diversity and civil liberties difficult.
Q2Not at all
Q2Not yet.
Q2I've heard some mild comments, but realized they were making a joke of it, being sarcastic in support of comments from the campaign.
Q2Yes. I have seen some increase in biased language --from adults, parents, and students. Tolerance levels have lower at all levels. The media does not help this --too much fear inducing rhetoric. Kids notice it too.
Q2I've heard of a teacher sharing negative anti immigrant thoughts and then teaching our students. This same teacher resents the kids
Q2The bullying and fighting (which has increased) is a real disrespect for how students interact.
Q2I am a middle school teacher and have sons who attend in my district at the high school level, so I see this discourse at two levels. My sons have expressed a "club" like mentality for some of the students who support Trump. They act exclusive.
Q2I have heard students mention that we promote anti bullying and practice tolerance in our school and yet the presidential candidates bully each other and promote hate and exclusion and bias toward others. As a NYS Dignity for All Students Act (anti bullying) coordinator in NYS, I am appalled at what is happening in the campaign since it is teaching kids exactly the opposite of what is appropriate.
Q2There has been an undercurrent of students writing, and saying, "build a wall" to the other students around them. We just had a class discussion about the intricacies involved in this yesterday but I could use more information on all the aspects that have to be contemplated for this to happen.
Q2"I love Donald Trump! I know he is racist but..." student went on to explain why it was ok to be racist.
Q2A Muslim female identified student was first verbally attached and then physically attached by a white male student. There have also been reports of discussions around the elections getting so heated in the classroom that professors are having to release class early.
Q2It mimics the sanitized rhetoric of "they/them" for immigrants. Also, a lot of weeeeeird misogyny-- one student claimed that Hilary Clinton would make it legal for girls to hit boys.
Q2There are a lot of negative sentiments focused at the sound bites Trump has been putting out. The only thing I have witnessed has been a self-identified Bernie Sanders supported talking down to a Trump supporter.
Q2I have recently witnessed bias at my school but interestingly it was about Jews from a 5th grader! He was called into the office after he made racist statements while sitting in the hallway. After I spoke with him about his statements took him to the office to have a talk with the principle. This was a young Caucasian male.
Q2Name-calling
Q2No
Q2No, we only have 1 student in a Hijab (though several Muslim students, the others are male) and she feels more vulnerable, but I've only witnessed students address their Muslim peers in the context of "I can't believe what Trump and other people are saying, most Muslims are good, like our friends."
Q2At our college, we had some members of the board of trustees threaten the student trustee that they would reveal embarrassing, personal information about her to prevent her from being outspoken about leadership reform.
Q2Have seen no bullying or biased language from our students.
Q2Only an adult has echoed the anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant rhetoric, and it was before a staff meeting. Everyone moved away from her.
Q2My students are still young. They have not yet associated unkindness toward others due to political agendas.
Q2Yes, I was told that all immigrants take American jobs. One said my parents are voting for Trump because he is going to send everyone back. Others have expressed concerns about racial profiling connected to the anti-Muslim rhetoric.
Q2No
Q2Students have tried to bully students who might not agree with their view or their parents' view of which candidates should be our next president. Students have made fun of others for supporting a particular candidate or for having differing opinions than the majority of the students.
Q2I haven't.
Q2No, just repeating what they've heard. Much of what they're saying they don't fully understand.
Q2No
Q2Yes, against the Mexican community
Q2This is an epidemic and has nothing to do with the campaign.
Q2We have a group of students who are calling teachers and students names like "stupid liberal" and "stupid feminist". Any time we try to correct the unkindness and talk about ideas in a civil fashion, these students start crying about their First Amendment rights at school. It is becoming increasing distracting and divisive. Kids who identify with the left are afraid to speak their minds, due to being mocked repeatedly. I try to teach that political opinions are great. They need to have research to back them up. But kindness comes first.
Q2We have a majority of Hispanic students at our school. Some of the non-Hispanic students have told other students they are in favor of the wall between us and Mexico.
Q2Bullying is not tolerated in my classroom.
Q2I have not witnessed any bullying or biased language. Our campus is extremely diverse in terms of race and religion, and I think this works to our advantage, in the sense that students learn early on about cultural conflict and tolerance.
Q2Some of the first graders were talking about who their parents voted for. One jumped in, apparently as a joke (because the students are old enough to know that Donald Trump is an easy butt of a joke), and said "what about Donald Trump?" His friends, not realizing he was joking, proceeded to yell at him until he cried.
Q2Not at all. The kids are ridiculing Trump.
Q2As stated above, the students are mimicking the conversations at home in a very rude manner.
Q2No.
Q2I have seen some signs of biased language from a few of the male teachers regarding Hillary Clinton being fit to be President of the United States. They have used some sexist comments under the guise of "just joking" and I've brought it to their attention. Politics is a very hard conversation to have at work outside of the confines of the curriculum.
Q2None
Q2I have not personally witnessed this, but several of my students have commented that they feel alienated from a particular math teacher who advocates for Trump.
Q2Trump has students wanting to fight and talk about each other. They are down grading each other by making certain statements.
Q2At a recent school team building activity, the students were asked if they felt unwanted by their country. All the Hispanic students indicated that they felt like they were under attack by the recent political environment. While I have heard very few students openly support Donald Trump, I know from an anonymous survey that I conducted with student body that the majority of students who identified as Republican would vote for Donald Trump.
Q2Yes, students are mimicking Donald Trump's accusatory, and bullying behavior towards teachers and peers.
Q2No, I haven't seen anything.
Q2No, but we are not far from biased language.
Q2We work at showing students the right way to settle problems and peace table talk helps too. We all must learn to get along and work side by side with all people. Everyone needs to be happy and have their concerns heard and resolved so it is fair to all. We are all loved and cherished by our families. No one has the right to be more powerful over you if you are all students learning together. Treat people the way you want to be treated and show kindness to others every day.
Q2Unfortunately, most rhetoric stem from adults to include parents, which spill over into the school system and on social media. The current presidential campaign has brought to the forefront a lot of unresolved social issues in this country.
Q2I have seen and being targeted as being an immigrant and should be weary of what will happen if Trump gets elected. I have been treated not as an educated person with a college degree and just by being an immigrant now find myself facing the stereotype of being lazy.
Q2We have a white student who wears a t-shirt weekly that reads "Trump: The President America Deserves." The first time he wore it, there were definitely students who took exception. Overall though, I have witnessed very little bullying.
Q2Not directly.
Q2Yes - adults (employees including administrators) actually use the same rhetoric. For example, "my staff is always trusted - they are professional" even in the case of written evidence to the contrary. "
Q2“This was a hiccup - just a hiccup" . . . every thing is fine.
Q3No
Q3Yes, I am much more focused on sharing my personal views so that I don't get into the "angry" mode of talking against the Trump rhetoric.
Q3I am a lot more open with my students about how I feel about Trump. Thankfully most of my students detest him, but a lot of their parents are supporting him.
Q3No, but I do stop to discuss the importance of finding common ground.
Q3I've chosen to take a stand against the bullying language!
Q3It's less about the democratic process and more about calming fears of mass deportation.
Q3I have not discussed it as much as I have in past election years as I want to be careful not to show my personal feelings and concerns about the possibility of Trump succeeding.
Q3I am spending a lot more time pointing my students toward fact-checking sites, and encouraging them to be reading and watching more from various news and social media outlets, including ones not in the US.
Q3Yes, I have decided to be more honest about my own political feelings, what I think is right and wrong and bias.
Q3Yes, I try to talk more about it but I am afraid that some parents get mad, I teach Spanish and I am Mexican.
Q3Honestly I've avoided the subject and I don't want to do that!
Q3We did a mock debate in class because the students were always talking about the candidates. This gave them a way to discuss the issues without feeling like they were attacking other students with different opinions.
Q3I show the students the primary election data after every election. We talk about what it means and create scenarios how ALL of the candidates could win. I teach the election process and encourage my students to question what they hear in the media.
Q3I don't teach election in my class since I am a language teacher, but if the topic arises in my class I try to encourage students to educate themselves before making blanket statements about anything.
Q3I do not teach this. We do talk about it a little but not too much.
Q3I have resigned my teaching position so will not be teaching about the election this year. I will miss the opportunity.
Q3I teach beginning level ESL classes to adults. Since I use a lot of pictures of people, I make a special effort to have images of Muslim people looking like regular folks doing regular things, such as playing with their kids, talking with friends and walking along the street. This was something I was doing already, but I think it's more important than ever before. I sometimes make hallway bulletin board displays. After 9/11, I made one of the Middle East with a map and a quiz on the map, English words with roots in M.E. languages, and pictures of the countries. Since there is a refugee crisis in Europe, I'd like to do a display on that, with a map to show the countries (with some images of the people) and the movement of people. Trump's remark about building a wall (paid for by Mexico) raises immigrant issues in the States. I think showing in the campus hallway that we honor the people who are forced to move, will be, in part, a response to Trump.
Q3I have been emphasizing how none of these actions are called for in the Constitution, but are rather party behaviors that are the results of the development of platforms by the major parties.
Q3Yes, we have discussed the Socio-Emotional impact of this language, the tact of persuasion and what they think are important factors to consider when choosing leadership. We also discussed all candidates and all parties equally- allowing the kids to see they are powerful and can influence others to vote and get involved.
Q3I work in a community that does not share my political beliefs about the rights of all people. In the past there have been calls to the superintendent or principal when teachers have expressed alternative views to the community. I need my job so I must walk this fine line.
Q3I am trying to show politicians telling mis- truths in speeches.
Q3I rarely focus primarily on the election.
Q3Completely!!! Last election was amazing in my class! We even learned about electoral votes using other first grade classrooms. Not this year!! Not touching it!!! Not sure what's worse the candidates or what they stand for!!
Q3I am not directly teaching about the election. However, I am taking anecdotes from each politician to have the students try to identify them in order to point out the importance of independent/critical thinking.
Q3I have always tried to approach election discussions without revealing any personal leanings, however this election has been extremely difficult for that. Any negative comments about a candidate’s rhetoric or speeches are taken by many as a personal attack on their views.
Q3We have a small school and we are vigilant about inflammatory/hateful language so there hasn't been an increase here. But our students are very aware of what is going on, but in a superficial way. I'd love to be able to give them the facts and information they need so they can make their own decision but am not sure how to do that without being offensive.
Q3NO
Q3No, except that I am more out spoken then ever.
Q3Used it as discussion points.
Q3I will not be spending the time I have spent in the past. We will be watching the election results in November, but we will not be discussing issues, asking students who they would vote for, nor will we give students the opportunity to study who is running for President of the United States.
Q3I am more committed than ever to "fact check" some of the nonsense that captures TV time and radio.
Q3I have to preface every lesson with, "remember, we are not using divisive language or calling candidates bad names. We can disagree with ideas, but not put people down." It seems silly to lay this out, but it's because of the language being used by candidates.
Q3One of the biggest changes that I have had to personally make is trying to more carefully censor my own speech - I normally do not have as difficult as a time bringing to light issues and providing commentary from both sides as I do this election cycle.
Q3No. Honesty is the best policy and we examine many sides to an issue or a comment. This is not about judging.
Q3I really try to avoid talking about it but I am the school counselor so I would have to go out of my way to start talking about it.
Q3Not yet, considering it
Q3Carefully talking about the issues, and the importance of voting in general --
Q3No, but sometimes I stop it because sooner.
Q3Somewhat. I am telling my students (who are not eligible to vote) to make themselves as aware as possible of what's going on. I am teaching more about the election process and the way our federal govt. is constructed, particularly balance of powers. I am telling them to urge all their friends who are eligible to vote to pay close attention to what's going on.
Q3No, I don't teach about it.
Q3I am very careful about what I say and avoid political discussions whenever possible. As a librarian, having open discussions during the political season was something that I enjoyed in the past. Not this year.
Q3I try not to mention it. As I am an English teacher, it is relatively easy to do.
Q3Just encouraging my seniors to register to vote and learn about the issues.
Q3I've tried to remain neutral and allow students to voice opinions, but I feel like some of the voices are destructive.
Q3Yes. I have integrated articles and news into lessons, made room for debates and connected current events to the literature we read. We also did social experiments in class to understand how propaganda and rhetoric affect us.
Q3We were directed by admin to stay neutral. I am more open to discussing the election and its candidates. I usually tell them we can only discuss election issues on Fridays (current event days)
Q3Yes, I have really allowed my students to ask questions and better help them understand the current situation. As a science and AVID teacher I have opportunities to really allow students to analyze what is occurring and attempting to bring the reality of their experience to the classroom.
Q3Limit discussion on the topics presented.
Q3I have my students engage in a Socratic debate about statements the candidates made as way to get the students to look at their own bias and prejudice. I then try to correct ideas that are misguided or arrived through misinformation.
Q3I have stayed away from it.
Q3No. Shying away from difficult conversations doesn't mean the conversations aren't taking place. As adults, we need to give the students a safe environment to share their opinions. Of course, these opinions can be challenged, but it must be in an informed manner that doesn't involve personal attacks on those you disagree with.
Q3No.
Q3I have avoided it. It is very difficult this year to keep my own opinions out of it.
Q3I feel my students are more aware of the campaign because of the rhetoric that is all over the news this year. But this hasn't really led me to teach differently. I still talk about political parties, about democracy, and about our rights and responsibilities. We talk about our freedoms, and whether these are good or bad, or both. I do feel my students have a desire to know more than in the past, and I think that is a good thing.
Q3Yes. Unfortunately, before we talk about it I have to give a "speech" about respectful conversation and debate, and remind students that hate speech will NOT be tolerated. I've never had to do that before this year.
Q3I live in a very conservative area. I'm still fighting battles about whether or not President Obama is actually a citizen. I basically don't let students get away with saying things that are demonstrably factually untrue. I also talk about the importance of being kind and civil--even towards those with whom we disagree, which I haven't ever had to focus on as much.
Q3I am more adamant about its importance.
Q3I also run a nonpartisan organization in Washington, D.C. called the American Civics Center and we are using a number of inquiry strategies to examine the election and the divisive issues that are being addressed.
Q3I incorporate current events to the literature/historical context of our readings. When reading about the Holocaust (The Boy in the Striped Pajamas), we discussed the presidential candidates' views on immigration, the U.N. and International Affairs, War and Aid - particularly Syria & Refugee Crisis. When reading about 1930's Segregation (To Kill A Mockingbird), we discussed the presidential candidates' viewpoint on Affirmative Action, Black Lives Matter, Family Leave Act and Equal Pay.
Q3Absolutely. As I mentioned, I use what is occurring on the media as prime examples of logical fallacies, some to my students need to practice to recognize in the course of legal research, or for that matter, being good citizens.
Q3This year calls for an extraordinary change ... the language of the campaign trail, the shifting alliances and the seeming Teflon that surrounds Trump.
Q3I don't talk about it because the remarks being made by the black boys are mostly ignorant. They are completely unfair to growing minority of Hispanic and Muslim in the school. The boys are trying to engage teachers by distracting them in an effort to regain the prior status of having all of anyone's attention.
Q3Not really. I've tried to avoid the potentially sensitive topics and rhetoric.
Q3No--students are VERY interested this year.
Q3I have had to specifically focus on the Trump campaign a bit because my students, who only know that "Trump is a racist," cannot comprehend what makes people support his candidacy.
Q3No
Q3Yes, I am really trying to make our discussions places where they can hear an opposing opinion and to discuss the hard topics of race, radical Islam and their very real fears.
Q3I have avoided all conversation about the presidential election
Q3No I keep true to my teaching style
Q3No
Q3No, I speak honestly with them and try to ask what is positive and what is negative, application to our country using different presidential outcomes.
Q3This is the first time I have taught in a major presidential election year.
Q3I teach Civics and Economics. Naturally, I must have ongoing conversations about the campaign with my students. They raise legitimate questions on an almost daily basis. However, I have approached discussion of the primaries very carefully. In our staunchly "red" state, public school teachers must be careful of expressing our political views to students. I realize that many of my students are mimicking the opinions of their parents. Our county in North Carolina is rural, poor, unemployed, and predominantly white and fits the Trump demographic to the letter. Therefore, I tread lightly and try to ensure that all points of view can be heard. I ask that my students keep the level of discourse respectful, but it is very difficult for me to refrain from inserting my own opinions. What saddens me more than my students expressing xenophobic ideas, though, is the sense that some of my colleagues share them as well.
Q3Yes. I have tried to connect inflammatory rhetoric to historical precedents of similar kinds.
Q3I have not built my lessons plans for the fall but I am really thinking about how I am going to bring these topics up in class and make sure voices on all sides are heard.
Q3I take my usual care to remain neutral and try to let my students reveal the strengths or weaknesses of the candidates’ rhetoric.
Q3Yes, I do not broach it at all and students seem to appreciate that.
Q3I feel look I'm just trying to assure my students that everything will be okay.
Q3Yes. I try to skirt around the more unsavory parts. I am giving it less attention.
Q3No.
Q3I have asked my students to do a rhetorical analysis of each candidate in terms of -- "Is the USA moving toward pluralism or day dreaming about a white only government?"
Q3I have found it necessary to say to students that candidates are not necessarily responsible for the actions of all of those who support them--to which my students have replied, appropriately, that candidates are responsible for how they react to the actions of their supporters and for the atmosphere that they generate.
Q3I teach at a university. What I've noticed is that more students than I thought possible are supporting Trump, and they are staunch supporters of him. I teach social psychology, critical thinking, and mindful leadership, so campaigns always become part of my course content. This year I am struggling to appear impartial.
Q3No-this rhetoric has been inflamed since the 2008 election-opinions and voices condemning and terrible were not as heightened in my nine previous years of teaching.
Q3I am more direct and open with students this year when discussing the hateful rhetoric that is saturating the news. While I have always valued honesty in the classroom, at times I have filtered my comments so as to shelter students from the worst of the world. This year, they have already heard terribly ugly things from would-be world leaders, so it's too late to shelter them. Instead, we talk about these issues head-on.
Q3No
Q3I have attempted to provide students with additional information regarding the election in a balanced manner. I have tried to place this election in historical context with earlier "rough" election cycles, and show that we can move past the current difficulties.
Q3I have been making connections to other world events, both past and present, so as to help students understand what these debates and comments mean in the long run.
Q3This is probably the first time I haven't been unbiased about it. My students need to know that some of what they are witnessing is not okay.
Q3I need to set guidelines as principal.
Q3Yes. I teach about how we have a representative government because no one person can know everything. I teach about how our government has to make decisions that are for the best of ALL citizens, not just one group or religion. I try to foster critical thinking so students will consider the ramifications of what will happen or could happen after the election. And I won't lie, I'm re-teaching what lead up to Hitler's rise, and what his beliefs were, and I'm asking students to make modern-day correlations.
Q3I have not changed the way I teach this topic. I have found that because of the hateful talk they are more involved. I focus on explaining primary process national convention roles and how voting is important.
Q3I have explained the functions, such as what a primary and caucus are.
Q3Yes. I have had to be more thorough. This is an improvement in some ways. While my teaching has had to be more thorough and better researched, the stress behind teaching the content is extremely high. It has made the learning space a very hostile work environment.
Q3For the first time, I have spoken out against a particular candidate--Trump, of course--and it's been hard to be even-handed and bipartisan given the rhetoric and bigotry on his side.
Q3It is hard to know how to teach about the positions that the possible (presumptive) Republican standard-bearer will take without bias (or distaste).
Q3Teaching elections is no different this year than any other year. The only difference is how famous/popular these candidates seem to be. Even in prior elections, students were still polarized, just not quite to this level.
Q3No.
Q3I have never before spent so much time discussing what primary candidates are saying. I have never before asked my students to think about what the leaders & people in other countries could be thinking when they hear the rhetoric.
Q3I usually only touch on elections - this year it's difficult NOT to talk about it. I think it's horribly divisive and uncivilized. I try to get my students to see other sides of issues, to show respect for someone even if they don't agree. With Trump's pugnacious rhetorical style, it’s a struggle to have a serious discussion without someone resorting to name-calling.
Q3I am less willing to talk about it with my students.
Q3Yes, I have had to teach students that even though the president is a powerful man, he can't do what Trump says he'll do. I teach young children, who are too young to understand politics so I have had to assume the role of a counselor and calm their fears.
Q3I have only spoken about the election twice. I continue to register voters.
Q3I do a lot of pre-discussions about opinions and how to carry on discussions in an appropriate manner. We also have an agree-to-disagree policy.
Q3I am not teaching civics till the fall and have avoided it for the most part. However, I have tried to let the students do most of the talking and drawing conclusions about what the candidates are saying.
Q3I have, at times, found myself proposing a left-wing position in class despite my attempts to not bring my personal bias into the classroom. The right wing language has made it difficult to be neutral.
Q3No.
Q3I have avoided talking about the election
Q3No. I avoid the topic.
Q3This is my 4th year teaching and it's my first teaching a civil rights unit. Voting, civil disobedience, discrimination, protesting, and reacting and changing unfair laws are all themes that come up in our study and the students themselves are constantly making connections to the election. I wouldn't say that I have made a conscious choice to change my teaching - the first few years I taught directly out of an ELL curriculum but now I match my instruction to what is being taught in the general ed. setting. The 3rd grade teachers are doing an extensive unit on civil rights movements and I think that is in part a reaction to the current political climate.
Q3This is my second year teaching a contemporary issues class. Last year I worked hard at being a neutral observer to the class discussions. This year, in part because of a Teaching Tolerance article a month or two ago, I have leveled with the students about my views--and, in particular, have been clear about my discomfort with the hateful promotions of Trump.
Q3A ton of daily fact checking. I also draw more historical comparisons from Huey Long and Joseph McCarthy to David Duke
Q3No, but I think we are talking about it more with the younger grades as the issue of immigration really hits home.
Q3I avoid discussion about the election in my class
Q3No, I'm teaching it the same way that I always do. Instructing my students that they need to research each of the candidates closely and then choose which most closely lines up with their own personal beliefs.
Q3No
Q3I teach Social Studies methods to pre-service elementary teacher candidates. We talked about how to deal with controversial subjects in social studies class.
Q3Hesitant to get too deep
Q3This is my first chance to teach about it, and since my curriculum is my own and I have a lot of freedom, I was excited to dive right in. I'm pleased so far with what I have done. More than anything, I just want kids to question, question, question.
Q3I’m not teaching about it per se to my students this year.
Q3Not at all. History has been there before
Q3I'm staying completely away from teaching about this election
Q3I teach health education so I do not actually teach about the election. I hear things more in the hallway and in my study hall.
Q3Not really
Q3I talk about language, power and oppression
Q3I am more committed to teaching it, and in a global context of tolerance.
Q3I allow 6th graders to talk about politics but request they use our posted Do's and Do Not's of how to talk about politics. "I agree with this candidate because of ____" "I don't like that candidates stance on _____" etc;
Q3I have not. We try to stick with the important topics. Social Justice issues
Q3This year (& last), I'm only discussing the candidates, what they're doing, and the basic election schedule.
Q3I have been more hesitant to approach issues dealing with the election, but I have begun earlier in teaching students about voting.
Q3I have not assigned any homework in regards to watching the debates. (I usually assign Debate-homework)
Q3I try to get kids to focus on issues...not personality & exaggeration.
Q3I encourage students to use their voices to vote to do the right thing.
Q3I still have to be careful to emphasize that any judgments I pronounce are my own opinion, and they should discuss this with their parents, but I have less worry about this than usual since almost all agree with me. Clinton vs. Sanders is undecided, but I doubt many (if any) students in our school have parents who support any Republican candidate.
Q3Bring in materials from Teaching tolerance, Amnesty International, and the ACLU.
Q3Yes. We have looked at the bigger picture and our responsibilities as citizens with a constitution that guarantees rights and gives us responsibilities.
Q3This is really the first year I have directly approached the election in the classroom, because I am so concerned that many of the students are afraid of what may happen to the country.
Q3Tried to empower the voices of marginalized students - given them "air time."
Q3I do want to point an area in this manner. Many Special Needs Educator, Assistant Teachers, Interns, who have chosen this field or career haven't been appreciated for their skills. They are under paid. This elections has not addressed Special Needs Educators has important impact in the Department of Education with their salary. There are many paraprofessional educators that their salary is very low they do exactly the same amount as a teacher. This elections hasn't address the importance for all programs be assessable to get grants or to further the ability to go back to get their bachelor degree because high rate of students loans.
Q3No
Q3Yes. I am trying to provide more historical context and also spending more time on the role of the media.
Q3I am teaching off the hook before anyone "catches" me and puts me in a Common Core box; we are reading Howard Zinn, Anne Frank, Haig Bosmajian, Jane Yolen, Ayn Rand, George Orwell and survivors' testimonies from the Holocaust and the genocides around the world. We are studying rhetorical devices and rhetorical appeals. I am making it as real and as connected to my students as I can. I feel like I am teaching for our lives.
Q3No, but plan to write an article in my newsletter about how to keep political ideology out of children's lives.
Q3I have not encouraged showing clips from different debates as in the past. This is not the kind of behavior that we encourage or tolerate.
Q3As that the children I teach are preschool/prekindergarten age, I have ensured that my teaching approach has been age appropriate with intentional objectives on their age and development level. I used resources from Scholastic and Time for Kids to assist me in the endeavors.
Q3I have never taught it before. I'm currently in elementary so how the subject is taught is limited.
Q3Yes. I am maintaining a lot more control of class discussion so that things do not get out of hand. I have been really insisting that students support all of their claims with reliable information, even in conversation, because a hand full of students repeat really outrageous claims.
Q3No
Q3So far, I've relied on articles from Newsela and have had some conversations with students.
Q3Yes. In 20 years of teaching, I've never revealed what candidate I'm for or against. This year, the discussion is all about fitness to even be a candidate. I'm not shy to point out that advocating war crimes, promising to dismantle the First Amendment, inciting violence, dumping on an entire religion - these things could get a sitting president impeached. What should the impact on a candidate be, if he holds such positions?
Q3Really have students look at the issues and discuss responses of the candidates relative to the issues.
Q3Have students discuss the process of actually electing a president using the Electoral College. Posed the question: Should this process be changed?
Q3No, but I teach composition and unless I initiate the subject, we have no in depth discussions.
Q3I'm more involved, but mostly because my students want to talk about it. Our recent unit on the great depression has made them look closer at FDR and Bernie Sanders. I don't share my views, but I ask questions and moderate discussions.
Q3I do not mind having the conversation with any students. I will NOT share my opinion. I will NOT let anyone generalize, stereotype or call anyone names... I try to focus on the deeper issue.
Q3For the first time in my career, I state bluntly what is appropriate conduct for a candidate for this country's highest office, e.g., if it can get you suspended from high school, you shouldn't be espousing it as a candidate. I'm teaching older students and always encourage them to develop their own evidence-based thinking, so they're primed to speak authoritatively. Another point that seems hugely important in this answer: I work in an incredibly--and wonderfully--diverse school. If there is a category of humanity, we probably have a representative in our building, so our students interact with a great range of people. While that certainly introduces challenges, and we are far from perfect, it also introduces a powerful richness in preparing young people for today's world.
Q3CNN student news helps to start the dialogue.
Q3No
Q3If anything; so far I have been exposing my students to the debates more and encouraging them to watch them with their parents.
Q3I have tried to maintain very sterile lessons on the election process. From experience, I know not to name names of specific politicians without prefacing that the conversation must be limited to respectful comments.
Q3No
Q3Yes, I am not covering the debates until we know who is actually nominated.
Q3No. As issues come up, particularly related to education, we discuss those in a calm and orderly manner, with each student getting his or her own say in the issues.
Q3I have offered more opportunities for the students to talk about issues and the candidates.
Q3Avoiding it
Q3I find myself using more examples of divisive speech, logical fallacies, and pathetic appeals drawn from the language of the candidates.
Q3I have avoided discussing the election with my 4th and 5th graders because I would feel compelled to point out the disrespectful comments and share my sentiments on what we should look for in leaders. Since I don't like "pushing" students toward or away from any particular candidates, I feel stuck.
Q3As mentioned above, during fall semester, I did give examples of how prejudice can relate to political policy by pointing out both the bigoted sentiments expressed by some candidates, and their policy recommendations for national government. I explained to students at the beginning of the 2015 Fall Semester that I was retiring by the end of the academic year, and felt somewhat more free about stating my own opinions in the context of a course about "Race in America" that takes a sociological/historical perspective. Only one student, who was raised in Georgia, strongly objected as noted above.
Q3To put my answers in context, I teach 1st grade at a progressive independent elementary school, so my class is obviously not impacted the way an older classroom would be. Every child in my class but one hates Donald J. Trump. If anything, they are learning the lesson of respecting the one child who likes Trump, but I did let them chant "Dump the Trump” a bit one day when that child wasn't there. I just don't let them make fun of or get angry at the child who supports Trump. What is different for me in this election is that I feel my job as a teacher is to stay neutral and not share my own views because I can't "teach" them who to support. But when I have students ask me if it's true that Trump has said such-and-such things against Muslims and against women, I do say yes, because the things being repeated are what DJT has actually said. I have supported my students sharing what has been said with the one child that does like Trump because I follow NPR avidly, and I've personally heard Trump say these things. I then am helping them understand why people might have these fears of Muslims or say things that belittle women, and the challenge is to do so in a way that is age appropriate for first graders, is honest, is empathetic to their fears and passion for fairness and still allows them to respect this one Trump supporting student. I do correct their inaccurate questions, like "Why does Trump want to kill China?" and try to explain better what someone might want to change about our relationship with China as a country and present both views. But I cannot remain neutral about D.J. Trump, not and keep my self-respect while respecting my student's fears, concerns and passions.
Q3I'm more open about my own opinions in this election. Specifically, I do speak about Donald Trump, and always support my statement with a video or quotation of him ranting like a scary lunatic.
Q3If asked, I am factual and express the importance of voting in every election.
Q3No.
Q3I move on to other topics. I am extremely private about my own beliefs and I don't welcome class discussion mot quickly becomes heated.
Q3No
Q3No, I have not.
Q3Students and not necessarily teachers introduce topic of bullying for discussion comparing school bullying to Donald Trump's comments and actions and how his aggression would affect America's global position; students express fear of international war and civil war with Trump presidency. In essence, approach to traditional teaching of 2016 election is off track relative to emotion and history...there being imbalance due to emotional interference thus devoting much time and energy thwarting Donald Trump negative.
Q3No change.
Q3I am less neutral, because I want to reassure my students I don't buy into racist rhetoric.
Q3I try to not bring it up since it is so stressful for my students. I also know my principal does not want us discussing politics with the kids. However, the kids will often ask me questions and express their fears quite often.
Q3My concerns reflect my student's concerns, and as a veteran history teacher I find it particularly difficult this election year to be completely objective when it comes to Trump's rhetoric.
Q3No. I have taught the public voice since 1987. We live in a democracy so I believe teaching students how to successfully participate in the social discourse is the number one responsibility of Language Arts teachers. We write letters to editors and to elected officials, within and without our borders. We have thus helped create a skateboard park, crosswalk, lights on a baseball field, a new computer lab, soccer in the high school, and more.
Q3Many more opportunities for discussions.
Q3I have stated several times to my students that this is not a typical election year. We have discussed why so many people are so angry & analyzed if them taking their anger out at others is doing anything positive for our country. We have discussed reasons as to why so many angry people are attracted to Trump. One girl said her grandfather told her this year is reminding him of 1968.
Q3Yes. Realization of due process and civics/government has resulted in lengthy discussions
Q3Yes-I have not mentioned it. What's more? I feel fear identifying as myself-as a Social Justice Starship Captain and an Intersectional Feminist-with all the despicable and frankly horrifying paternalistic and misogynistic sentiments in never ending transmission.
Q3I try to use a multicultural approach in my guidance lessons and the material from SPLC is most helpful.
Q3Yes, I am more cautious of my language and the cites I allow them to use while researching.
Q3No.though I do not teach it directly as that is not my role. My role is more in spontaneous discussions with students.
Q3This election has required out of the box teaching and more sensitivity to certain topics. As a result, more student led discussions are occurring with the teacher serving as the facilitator to ensure that students do not lose their focus and remain cordial when agreeing to disagree on topics discussed.
Q3No
Q3I have not changed the way I teach. I am an elementary school librarian and have been teaching a grade 2 unit on voting rights. The students are very aware of the current election, and mention several candidates by name. I remind them that, since they are under age 18, they cannot vote, but will hear voting talk from their family members. Since they cannot vote as adults, we are going to vote as kids, for kids in a picture book about a class election. Lesson #1: First, initiate a brief explanation about historic voting rights in the USA. Tell them that, in the past, only white (European-ancestry) men who were citizens and owned property could vote. Activity: have all students stand up. Tell them they are standing at the voting place, getting ready to vote in the early days of the USA. “Oh, but some of you cannot vote!” Ask all the girls to sit down and tell them, sorry, you can’t vote. Then ask the African-American boys to sit, the Latino boys, Asian boys, Native American boys, etc., all to sit down. A few proud ”white” boys will be left standing. Then ask each one of them where they live. Chances are, most will say they live in a local apartment complex (sit down, please). Since they are children, none of them own property, but even their parents may not. In each instance at my school, either no one was left standing, or one lone boy was left, who felt very isolated and no longer proud. The injustice of the system was very evident, and students reacted strongly. Then tell them that, when slavery ended in the 1860s, black men got the right to vote, and all other men of color, so all the boys can now stand up. Sorry, girls, you still cannot vote. Then ask the girls to stand up, because in the 1920’s they got the right to vote. Then tell the class that some people still could not vote if they could not read, write, or pay a poll tax, and ask some students to sit back down. Finally, allow all to stand up and point out that even today, in some places, people are trying to stop everyone from voting, but everyone legally has the right to do so. Read aloud the book Election Day by Patricia Murphy, which explain voting laws in a very simple way. Lesson #2: Remind students of what we learned last week. Should we vote for someone because they are a man or a woman, dark or light-skinned, speak a certain language, etc., or do we vote because of what they say and do? Discuss briefly. Read aloud first half of Grace for President. Ask questions for turn-and-talk activity during read aloud: What would YOU promise if you were running for class president? What promises does Grace make? Thomas? Make a comparison anchor chart of Grace and Thomas, listing first their promises side by side, and below that their actions, side by side, pulling evidence from the text. Ask students to silently think of who they would vote for, and why, but do not tell anyone. Voting in our country is private – no one has to say for whom they voted. Lesson #3: Display anchor chart from last week. Review it quickly. Ask students to vote: take a ballot and a pencil, vote for their candidate, and silently walk to the ballot box and put in their ballot. Finish reading the story, revealing that Grace won the election, and ask them why. (She kept her promises, she listened to what the people wanted, she worked hard, etc.) Ask students to write a short opinion piece, saying who they voted for and why, using evidence from the text and the anchor chart (using a pre-planned sentence frame). While students write, count ballots and reveal tally at end of class.
Q3I had my students vote in a primary online on our primary day. I did not talk about the candidates’ views, I just spoke about how there were many people running in different parties.
Q3I can't say that l have changed the way l teach, but l strongly feel a drive to present calm decent lessons.
Q3I have always watched for teachable moments, and continue to do so this year. The 7th grade curriculum covers the beginnings of Islam. I may have spent a few extra days on these chapters, each of the last several years, but not much.
Q3I talk about this election much more carefully.
Q3I am very hesitant to teach a topic I feel passionate about because I am not sure how to approach it this year.
Q3I embrace it with more opportunities than ever before. Trump has changed the rules of the way this game is played. And for once, my students want to play politics. I have been focusing on media bias.
Q3Yes, I can't be as neutral as I have before.
Q3No.
Q3I think teachers should discuss their political beliefs as little as possible.
Q3Since my students know about it, I use to trace patterns. For example when covering WWII students compared the sacrifices Americans made in WWII to the sacrifices Americans made in the War in Terror. We discussed how the bombing of Pearl Harbor led to Japanese Internment versus how 9/11 led to increasing Islamophobia and the anti-Sharia law movement.
Q3I'm probably more vocal about it. I have my students watch channel one news more regularly, because they need to understand what's going on in the current political climate.
Q3No - I've always focused on students knowing not only who the candidates are but what they want to do, and through that getting them to understand what THEY (the students) think and who they would support. I have already taught about dictatorship and citizenship this year, so many students are synthesizing what they've learned previously through candidates' statements and interviews. In one way of looking at it, the election is helping students use higher-order thinking skills.
Q3I don't teach about the election until after the candidates are chosen in the summer
Q3No, I just teach what an election is, not specific to president.
Q3Our students are certainly very aware and responsive to what is going on, more so than in past elections.
Q3Definitely, yes. I don't discuss it with students.
Q3I try to be neutral and let the students investigate candidates on their own, but this year I was honest about condemning racist candidates.
Q3I am not a teacher; I am a case manager for an alternative school.
Q3No - it's just harder.
Q3I usually teach in a very objective way - trying to give facts and information and allowing students to draw conclusions. That's difficult when I feel that I also have to put lessons about social justice above the objectiveness I usually have about the election.
Q3My school district has a policy that you must present both sides. I have started saying, "I can't speak to that issue" since I can only speak in generalities. I just say if we truly believe all men are created equal than we need to make sure that we follow through on those ideas. I stress to my students that they will have the power of the vote and to use it wisely.
Q3Yes. Ordinarily, I would teach the whole process of American elections during an election year, in some format, in all the grades I teach. I am holding the entire thing at arm's length this year, and not directly teaching it, because of the candidates' statements, rudeness, and bullying of each other and of people who attend their rallies. And I certainly don't want to be discussing Trump's penis size with students but there he was on national television discussing it with Rubio! Not to mention the misogynist statements from Trump and other candidates about women. I was appalled! Their behavior is exactly the opposite of what we are trying to teach kids about how to act. Since I have two classes dealing with the Progressive Era (1995 - 1920), I have instead been teaching something about the presidential election of 1912 (which was bad enough as far as rhetoric among the candidates was concerned, but at least thankfully is 100 years in the past).
Q3Yes, I share more critical analysis of rhetoric.
Q3I started the year with the election and revisit it at least once a week. I also sent a survey home to parents alerting them to what I was doing.
Q3I teach journalism and have discussed media coverage of specific candidates. Our discussions always lead back to Trump and are usually met with frustration of the massive coverage he has been given in the media.
Q3Normally I don't tell students about my political opinions. This year I feel it is appropriate to say that I wouldn't vote for someone who isn't going to be respectful of others.
Q3I make sure that the information is timely and factual.
Q3I don't usually teach about the campaign, but my students keep bringing it up. They are disgusted.
Q3I teach math, so we haven't discussed it in class.
Q3This year has turned out to be the most interesting campaign in more than a few years. The students are open to all opinions from all sides.
Q3I just remind them that we don't have a new president yet, and he or she cannot change the laws that quickly.
Q3Stories from students’ personal experience is more important than ever in my class. Listening to a story that comes from a diverse perspective is not easy to discredit or ignore.
Q3Yes, I have thrown caution into the wind and have spoken out against certain candidates, which I have NEVER done, but I feel it's my duty to speak out against ignorance!
Q3I have been very blunt. I don't think it is okay to pretend to be unbiased about hate. It just normalizes hate.
Q3I no longer have students watch the debates at home. We do discussions based on materials I provide so I can monitor content. I also am having great difficulty not sharing my opinion. I never tell students how I feel politically - and I fear they would think I would vote for a candidate that would go against the values I have.
Q3I'm a language arts class teacher, so I usually don't touch on this.
Q3I'm very passionate but careful not to encourage the biased and racist thoughts and beliefs.
Q3When I have discussed the election this year with my children and others I teach, the conversations seem to always come back to the voter and civil rights fights of the 60's and the re-districting and voter fraud/ voter ID issues of now. I am committed to giving the children concrete ways of dealing with the emotions this brings up. Some of them have written to their congressman and representatives as future voters with their concerns and other have joined service organizations near where they live so they can make a difference in their daily lives for others in their community.
Q3I teach religion so we have been issues based, not candidate based.
Q3I try to downplay the inflammatory remarks they may be hearing and continue to embrace the fine power of words used right.
Q3I have had to limit discussions more to be sure there is no unkind speech between those of differing views
Q3Yep. I leave it to the parents.
Q3No.
Q3I am teaching very little about it right now and will focus on it more in the fall depending upon who the nominees are.
Q3We are an after-school program and we encourage dialog and discussions, so we have not altered that course. In fact, our students are so concerned, that we seem to have more conversations about these issues.
Q3I have limited the discussion in my class.
Q3Very difficult to keep the "they're morons" rhetoric down.
Q3No
Q3I try to take the approach that democracy is messy but best.
Q3No.
Q3Don't ever really directly teach election information but it normally comes up in random group talks. I've tried to avoid most talk due to the nonsense.
Q3I used to remind students to use respectful language when referring to the office of the President, even if they disagreed with the President's policies or views. Now I have to ask my students for strategies on how to talk respectfully about someone whose words and actions don't merit respect because I am out of ideas. Please know, the students flooded me with great suggestions. They DO know how to treat others with respect. They are our hope!
Q3I have not used any of the campaign information to discuss propaganda.
Q3I have not change anything.
Q3I use a resource called Newsela, which has been a great way to teach current affairs. Mostly with the older kids, I have used articles that explain a bit about what other students are thinking and saying about the election, especially how negative it's been, and how they should not let this effect their own thinking. I have also worked it into my Unit theme for 5th grade, as an example of persuasive language, and also on the subject of protest against oppression. I must tread lightly, though. Teachers are supposed to keep their politics out of the classroom. So I try to stay impartial. But we all agree that negative hate speech is no way to run an election.
Q3I'm trying to make sure the students are given a chance to form their own opinions about the candidates. I try and make sure they have the information they need to form their own opinions about each candidate.
Q3I am very careful and encouraging of students expressing their concerns more because it is necessary to allow them to voice their ideas in a healthy, safe, and supportive environment with peers.