Teachers, Principals Will Help Students Understand, Deal With Feelings Over Election: CPS

CHICAGO, IL — As anti-Donald Trump protests erupt in the city and throughout the country, a message from Chicago school officials pledged to continue "to make every child feel valued and welcome" and urged parents to contact teachers and principals if they have concern over a "child's reaction to the election."

The Chicago Public Schools note was emailed to parents Thursday evening, a day before students of Marist High School, a Catholic institution, planned a Black Lives Matter Youth protest on the edge of school property. The message was signed by CPS Chief Executive Officer Forrest Claypool and Chief Education Officer Janice K. Jackson.

Along with assuring parents the school system was still committed to diversity, the note also called the election "a unique learning opportunity" when it came to teaching students about democracy and respecting different opinions.

RELATED: Marist Cancels School Friday Due to Black Lives Matter Protest

The following is the full text of the message:

With emotions running high after the presidential election, we want to affirm our commitment to the values of diversity, tolerance and fairness in our schools. Every one of our students has the right to a safe, welcoming school environment where they feel valued and respected. We are proud of our District’s diversity, and believe that every student, regardless of race, ethnicity, background, sexual orientation, language or culture has the right to reach their full potential.

We know that some children are experiencing strong feelings after Tuesday’s election, and we are providing our principals, teachers and counselors with resources to help them understand and work through those feelings. If you have any specific concerns about your child’s reaction to the election, we urge you to inform your teacher or principal.

This election presents a unique learning opportunity. It is a chance to help students understand democracy and remind them how important it is to respect one another’s differences.

We pledge to continue doing all we can to make every child feel valued and welcome so that they can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

City public schools were closed Friday for Veterans Day.

image via Chicago Public Schools

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