Call it the "Trump effect," the aftermath of the Presidential election of Donald Trump. It is being felt in many classrooms across the country. WBFO's senior reporter Eileen Buckley talked to one Buffalo Public high school principal about how students have been reacting.
“There's no doubt that we felt the power of what was taking place the day after and every day since,” explained City Honors School Principal William Kresse, City Honors School.
Kresse said his student population stretches across Buffalo, reaching every economic and racial situation. He tells WBFO News students responded in two ways to the election: they were either sad or felt good about the future change.
“But then other students have sort of felt empowered like 'now is my time, I want to be the change that I want to see in our community and in our country,'” Kresse remarked.
Kresse said his students remained civil about election results, but he could clearly see students were affected. He said students who come from other countries have been "caught off guard." They consider themselves Americans, making this a difficult time in history for them to understand.
“Their families have brought them here to the United States. They’re part of our newcomer community and they’re incredibly proud of the opportunity that they’ve been given here and they’re working to talk full advantage of that,” said Kresse.
Fowzia Hussain is a City Honors senior. She said the election climate has created more bullying.
“I guess there have been more hate crimes and I have had friends that have been bullied and have been told them that they should go away or that they shouldn’t be here — it’s is not their country. And it really saddens me people actually do things like this and I really hope people are more aware of this,” Hussain responded.
Last week Buffalo Schools Superintendent Dr. Kriner Cash and School Board President Barbara Seals Nevergold issued a joint letter to school families and district partners reminding everyone the city schools were built on a foundation of "cultural richness and diversity." The letter asks those in disagreement to listen to and seek understanding with one another. Teachers are also urged to engage students in civil discourse and to embrace "teachable moments" to benefit children.
“Arriving at unity is going to be something that we do each and every day by rolling up our sleeves, and it is going to be hard work and it’s going to take attending to matters of disagreement and coaching students on civility and, in some cases, coaching adults on civility. But our republic has withstood all kinds of things in the past 200 years. We will come through this together," Kresse described.
The following is the statement issued by the Buffalo Public School District dated November 16, 2016:
Dear BPS Families and Partners: The Buffalo Public Schools are built upon a foundation of great cultural richness and diversity. We believe in “Putting children and families first to ensure high academic achievement for all.” Within that mission, we hold dear the democratic principles of active citizenship, personal integrity, civility and respect for others, and a mutual desire to celebrate all that makes us unique. At this time of year, we are especially thankful for the lasting treasure of these core American values. Whether we agree with one another doesn’t matter so much as our ability to listen to and seek to understand each other in the greater realm of learning. We are a microcosm of a larger world and reflective of its variances. Our diversity is a source of strength, a point of pride. In the New Education Bargain with Students and Parents, we state that: “An equal and high-quality education is every child’s civil right; and, as educators, we must deliver on this essential democratic principle.” This has never been more true, nor our conviction to make it so - stronger. As educators, we help make the world better by making it a perpetual learning laboratory and embracing teachable moments for the benefit of our children. We are in a moment in time when it is imperative that each child and family in this District feels how precious they are, how valued, how cared for, and how safe and protected they are – in our schools and in their communities. As we visit our schools and speak with our students, we are inspired to help our amazing students reach their full potential. We have deep faith in them as scholars and as citizens of the City of Buffalo. Our homes, our schools, and our classrooms must be safe havens for our students. Democracy is what leaders and ordinary people practice when they take responsibility for improving their communities. We must lead, not follow. We must stand, not fall. We must include, not isolate. We must develop the hearts and minds of our students so that they can take their rightful place and make their contribution in our global society. We will continue to urge our teachers to engage students and each other in substantive, civil, and productive discourse about all matters educational. Buffalo Public Schools works together with all constituents to carry on the peaceful missions of humankind. During this season of giving thanks, let us all help lift our neighbors and heed the call to grow.