By Camille Taylor
Candidate Trump used bigoted and deplorable language against Mexicans, Muslims, POWs, people with disabilities, and women.The “Trump Effect” was born. Consequently, as the campaign progressed, educators reported an alarming level of fear and anxiety among children of color, a sharp increase in bullying, and an increase of racial and ethnic tensions in many classrooms.
Post-election, the FBI and Anti-Defamation League have reported a sharp spike in hate crimes. Protestors are demonstrating around the country and emergency rooms report an increase in visits related to depression/mental health related to fear and anxiety. Incidents of harassment in schools and on social media posts are on the rise.
As the co-sponsor of the local Not In Our School initiative, I’m being contacted for help and resources to deal with bullying in local schools, as well as to assist the Not In Our School clubs address increasing issues. The mission for Not In Our School is the same as Not In Our Town’s which is “to stop hate, address bullying, and to make a safe more inclusive community.” One Not In Our School club held a post- election discussion which was open to the entire school and encouraged students to come together to share their feelings in a safe space with open minds to all opinions. I attended this discussion and listened to young people, too young to vote in this election, but won’t be for the next one.
Many expressed concern and apprehension for either themselves or their friends who are people of color being targeted or who fear deportation. A gay student expressed concerns about changes in laws that could affect his future. Some students have joined the “safety pin project” which by wearing a pin identifies you as a “safe and supportive person” for those experiencing fear and bullying. Whether President-elect Trump will govern fulfilling candidate Trump’s promises remains to be seen. Actions speak louder than words, and unfortunately, one of Trump’s first selections for his highest counsel and strategist was the chairman of Breitbart, an Alt Right news and opinion website.
This site has been a platform for those engaging in hate, discrimination, and bigotry. Silence shows consent! If you’re with someone who makes an inappropriate, racist, or bigoted remark,tell them it’s inappropriate or why it makes you uncomfortable. Share your concerns with our legislators. Wear a safety pin to show solidarity!If you really want to make America great, use the power of your voice to eradicate the “isms” that divide us!
Camille Taylor, a retired Counselor from Normal Community High School, has been an educator in this community for 34 years. She is active in the community currently serving as a church elder and board member for both the Baby Fold and the YWCA. She has been recognized by the YWCA as a Woman of Distinction for education, a Martin Luther King Jr. award winner for the City of Bloomington, a Distinguished Alumni by the College of Education at Illinois State University, a Human and Civil Rights award winner for the Illinois Education Association, and the H.Councill Trenholm Award recipient from the National Education Association for her work with diversity. She lives in Bloomington with her husband, Arthur, and is a mother and grandmother.
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