In a time of immense political polarization across the U.S., de Toledo appears to have fallen victim to the divide. Politics have moved beyond debates—they’ve permeated our classrooms and friendships. It’s clear that our student body has become more hostile toward one another than ever before.
Classroom Divide
de Toledo emphasizes positive and safe learning environments for all students. In a recent assembly, speech and debate teacher Robert Lebeda reminded our community to engage in healthy debate and consider all perspectives. Yet, this ideal has proven challenging for de Toledo students.
We believe some Trump-supporting students are feeling emboldened to express their beliefs in ways that are intimidating to students like us who supported Harris’ candidacy. This harassment has moved beyond the social realm and into the classroom.
For example, many of us feel exceptionally uncomfortable sharing our opinions during AP Government class for fear we might receive retribution after class, once the teacher is no longer able to monitor student behavior.
Often, when we express our views, we are mocked, taunted and told our beliefs are wrong after the period is over. Some students have reported feeling anxious about sharing political ideas for fear of ridicule.
We worry about jeopardizing our friendships and relationships with others and about being defined by our politics. We believe students should agree on ground rules, such as agreeing to disagree and remaining respectful, regardless of political views.
We’re not advocating that students must remain silent about their politics. We signed up for AP Government because we are passionate and excited to learn about politics. But what’s the point of being in the class if we can’t respectfully listen to one another and have constructive conversations? Isn’t the foundational principle of education that new information informs us and helps us grow?
Political Merchandise
On Nov. 6, the day after Trump’s presidential victory, a few students brought “Trump 2024” and “MAGA” flags to school. Instead of peacefully celebrating, some students used these props in confrontational ways.
The first thing we saw while walking into school was a “Trump 2024” flag being shoved in a student’s face as she entered the school. We believe students should be allowed to celebrate the election results; however, we also believe it is spiteful and mean-spirited to flaunt the results in a way intended to upset others.
It would be unimaginable if a de Toledo sports coach allowed its players to taunt the losing team, shoving trophies and banners in their face after a hard fought victory. If we all accept that sportsman-like behavior is our ideal, then why are we acting differently when it comes to politics?
de Toledo’s parent-student handbook states, “Our desire is to foster a balance between individual expression and an environment of scholarship and community.” Entering a student’s personal space with campaign paraphernalia violates this rule.
Students who violate handbook rules are supposed to be “sent to the office to meet with a Dean or the principal; the Dean will provide students with appropriate clothing; the Dean will phone home to discuss the incident with the parent/guardian.”
Students who engaged in these actions should have been sent to the Dean to address their behavior.
Call to Action
We demand more kindness and respect from students and for faculty to enforce the rules designed to protect our values.
It’s the faculty’s responsibility to keep de Toledo a safe space for all students, and right now, this isn’t happening.
Our school must come together under the values of respect, integrity and empathy. The de Toledo student body is diverse in political views, and it’s crucial that we all appreciate this diversity and one another.
Dear faculty: please help.
Our fellow students:
Be kinder. Stop harassing your peers.
Stop using politics as a weapon.
Stop hurting each other.
It shouldn’t matter who your friend supports; they are still your friend. Don’t let politics destroy your valued relationships. We, as a school, can end this political polarization by seeking to understand opinions and prioritize empathy. Stop bullying your peers simply because of their political views.
