LAUSD Offers West Hollywood Student Counseling in Wake of Election

LOS ANGELES, CA -- The president of the Los Angeles Unified School District board reached out Wednesday to offer support to students and staff in the wake of the polarizing election.

"As students and staff arrive at school today, we know there may be feelings of fear and anxiety, especially within our most vulnerable communities," said Steve Zimmer, president of the board that governs the nation's second-largest school district.

"The district is providing additional supports to those who need it," he said in a statement posted to the LAUSD website. With emotions running high, our schools will continue to be the anchors of our neighborhoods.

An LAUSD spokeswoman said students -- 74 percent of whom are Latino -- would be provided with extra support, including counseling, if needed, but declined to elaborate.

In his statement, Zimmer asked teachers to listen and assured everyone they would be safe at LAUSD schools.

"We ask our teachers and school leaders to continue their amazing work of listening to our students and striving together to assure that public education is the great civil rights engine of democracy," Zimmer said. "As we do every day, we will take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and well- being of our students, staff and schools. And the work with our families to fulfill the American Dream continues today."

-- City News Service, photo via TheTruthAbout/WikiCommons