Election day is next week. Some students, families, and staff have expressed anxiety about the aftermath of the results. Even in our small community, we represent a wide range of lived experiences and perspectives. Our district’s civility policy requires us to seek to understand others’ points of view and cultural perceptions and treat each other and students with dignity and respect. Our newly drafted districtwide values include compassion: We treat ourselves and one another with kindness and empathy. 

As school staff, we have the opportunity to maintain our buses, cafeterias, playgrounds, and classrooms as places where people feel safe and at ease. 

• Take care of yourself. If a colleague is talking with you about topics that make you uncomfortable, feel free to say something such as “let’s talk about something more joyful” or excuse yourself to use the bathroom. 

• Be there for students. Students may be hearing worrisome messages at home and want to talk about them at school. We can provide a respite from the news by listening then re-focusing them on school routines and positive interactions with classmates. 

• Intervene when needed. If you feel that student-to-student conversation that may be causing harm, gently intervene to stop the dialogue and check in. Ask about the student’s intentions to help them understand the impact of their words and make better choices. 

•Report when escalation may be needed. If you believe a student may be intentionally causing harm, report the behavior to an administrator. (There is a written procedure available to review. Note that our district’s “Freedom of Expression Procedure” gives students free verbal and written expression as long as it does not unduly impinge upon the rights of others.

•Be mindful of your own speech. Speech made by employees at school and in classrooms holds extra weight and may be considered speech on behalf of the district. As private citizens, school employees have First Amendment protections. However, speech that affects the district’s ability to function or an educator’s effectiveness may not be protected, regardless of where or when it occurred. More information is available about the Free Speech rights of school district employees in the bulletin of the office of superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

While we encourage informed and engaged citizenship, political discussions and actions cannot disrupt the learning environment. Our primary focus continues to be knowing, engaging and supporting each student so they graduate with the skills to thrive in the world. Thirty years from now, these young people will be emerging leaders in our country. We can show them how to manage emotions, be respectful to other community members and set boundaries for their personal wellbeing. The words we use and how we treat ourselves and one another now will influence the next generation for years to come. 

Linda Rosenbury, PhD, is superintendent of the Port Townsend School District. This article also was published in the staff newsletter.