Central And South React To Rioting In Washington

HINSDALE, IL — The principals of Hinsdale Central and South high schools emailed teachers Thursday morning about how to handle class discussions about the rioting in Washington.

Central Principal Bill Walsh told teachers they cannot take a political stance with students and should not share their opinions or provide an interpretation of the events.

At the same time, he said, teachers cannot ignore what happened.

"While this is a teachable moment, please know that there is no expectation that you initiate conversations about today’s events," Walsh said. "However, it is likely that students will come to class feeling a variety of emotions, and some might make comments or ask questions. Avoiding/ignoring comments or reactions shared by students inadvertently sends a message that their feelings, opinions, and uncertainties do not matter."

He said that while teachers may not have all the answers, it's important they provide students with the opportunity for all perspectives to be heard respectfully.

"Maintain neutrality in your voice and your message, while also showing compassion and empathy is especially important in this environment," Walsh said.

South Principal Arwen Pokorny Lyp told teachers that students would look to them for guidance.

"Just like us, they are confused, angry and scared. For many of our students, you will be the first person that can help them navigate this in a healthy way, I encourage you to do so in whatever way resonates with you," Pokorny Lyp said.

She said while Sept. 11, 2001, wasn't the same, Wednesday's events reminded her of that day. She said she was teaching world history at Joliet West when her department chairman came by and said, "A plane just hit the World Trade Center, the principal wants everyone to turn on their TVs."

So she did. "And I made light, confused, casual conversation with my students until we watched the second plane hit, and then at 25 years old, I had to give an (impromptu) lesson on terrorism, which I was wildly unprepared to do even as a Social Studies teacher," Pokorny Lyp said.