[F]ears and concerns after the national presidential election prompted the State Board of Education this week to a issue a statement about the need to ensure the safety of all students regardless of race, class or immigration status.
Board member Rainbow Chen, a high school student at Winooski, told other board members Tuesday that since the election, some students have said they are afraid to go to school.
“They fear going to school and finding people to discuss with and confide in about the recent events, especially in Burlington and Winooski, where we have a high percentage of new Americans, Muslim Americans and people of color. It is very frightening,” she said.
Chen said her community has been trying to reassure students, but she said a statement from the state board could reinforce the message that schools are safe.
Without elaborating, Education Secretary Rebecca Holcombe said there have been incidents recently that have raised concerns. She said the agency is responding by pulling together information on New Americans that clarifies their legal standing, rights and protections, as well as anti-bullying information to send out to the schools. She said the board’s position statement would be part of that packet.
Stacy Weinberger, a state board member, said it is every school’s responsibility to create a healthy space.”I think it is important to be proactive and say this is an adult responsibility to create a place where a student can confide in somebody, that there is trust,” Weinberger said, choking back tears. “We can’t wait for things to happen and then respond. I think it is our responsibility.”
The state board and the Agency of Education issued the following statement to school leaders in Vermont:
“That all educators come together and ensure all our schools are safe and supportive places where all students including working class and students living in poverty and students with disabilities, new Americans and original Americans, Muslim students and students of color can focus on learning, work hard and work together to strengthen democracy and further our prosperity.”
University of Vermont President Tom Sullivan sent an email to faculty and students after the election urging everyone to work together. He pointed out that some people may feel isolated and be afraid for their safety, and he denounced bias, discrimination and violence.
Around the nation, educators have been responding to reports of harassment in school hallways directed against LGBT students, Muslims and others, according to CBS.
