Schools
ETHS Superintendent Embraces Differences in Heartfelt Post-Election Announcement
Dr. Eric Witherspoon assured students "everything will be okay" just hours after Donald Trump was elected president.
EVANSTON, IL - Less than eight hours after Donald Trump secured the United States presidency, the top dog at Evanston Township High School delivered a powerful message for the young minds at one of Chicagoland’s largest schools.
Dr. Eric Witherspoon addressed an on edge student body around 10 a.m. the morning after Trump’s victory to “reaffirm” members of the school community’s appreciation for one another.
Related: Northwestern President Calls for Post-Election Unity, But Won’t Mention Donald Trump
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“This morning I want to remind all of you that ETHS is a safe and welcoming place for you,” he read in a statement that has since been posted on the ETHS website. “You attend a school where we not only respect differences, we embrace our diversity.”
“We embrace one another’s race and ethnicity. We embrace one another’s family background, heritage, language and culture.
We embrace one another’s religion and your right to your own personal customs and beliefs.
We embrace your sexual orientation and your gender identity.
We embrace your special needs.
We embrace you and value you as individual human beings.
'Never forget: you belong here at ETHS—each and every one of you.”
Witherspoon spoke more about his message of unity with Heidi Stevens of Pioneer Press.
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In calling ETHS “a nurturing place to learn and grow,” the school leader challenged each student to be extra kind to one another and to support one another during a time that’s proved to be challenging and confusing for young minds across the nation.
“Even though we cannot always control what is going on in the larger world around us, we can define our own school, our own community… Let’s make this school year a year of strengthening our sense of community here at ETHS, and let’s reaffirm a community legacy for all the students today and for those who will follow you.”
“Fill your hearts with love for each other. And no matter what, remember, even today, that it is a great day to be a Wildkit.”
photo via ETHS
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