Reinforcing School Climate After the Election
As the dust settles on one of the most divisive elections in recent memory, the deep fractures in our nation have become impossible to ignore. With new policies potentially arising from issues debated during the election season, the effects of this division are already reaching into our schools and classrooms, influencing the interactions and experiences of our students.
Recently, a 5th grader shared a troubling story with one of our staff members: during a class discussion about the election, one of their classmates, a Haitian student, expressed fear of being deported after hearing that all Haitians might be expelled from the country. Unfortunately, this story is not unique. Across the nation, widespread reports show Black students being taunted with messages telling them to “return to the plantation,” a reference to slavery. These interactions don’t just harm individual students—they also undermine the sense of community and belonging that schools strive to foster.
This election has highlighted long-standing divisions that have only deepened, and we anticipate continued challenges in ensuring safety and inclusivity in schools. Schools have a critical opportunity to be strongholds of stability, compassion, and support, but when considering the national political and social climate, this is becoming an increasingly challenging task. For example, we’re concerned about potential cuts to the U.S. Department of Education and what those funding cuts might mean for all schools, particularly those that are consistently under-resourced. Additionally, potential changes to immigration policy may cause fear and insecurity among students from immigrant families, while anti-trans rhetoric and challenges to initiatives that celebrate identity and/or address racism, sexism, ableism, and more threaten to remove opportunities for students to see themselves reflected in learning and school activities.
Through all of this, the core principles of a positive school climate—safety, inclusivity, engagement, and equity—are more essential than ever. At the National School Climate Center, we believe that focusing on school climate is essential to helping students feel supported and valued, even in an increasingly polarized world. Below are some key principles to keep in mind during these challenging times:
- Take Care of One Another
Schools are communities, and now more than ever, everyone—administrators, students, staff, and families—must prioritize each other’s well-being. Emotional safety is as critical as physical safety in building a positive climate. Schools should provide spaces where all students and staff feel supported, and they can encourage this by offering counseling services, mindfulness activities, and peer support groups for historically marginalized groups. These resources help students process complex emotions and reinforce the supportive nature of the school community. - Protect Vulnerable Students and Address Harm
A school climate grounded in trust, equity, and inclusivity is vital for countering harmful narratives. Schools must actively reaffirm that every student—regardless of background, identity, or immigration status—is valued and supported. Schools can also implement restorative processes when harm does occur. This approach empowers students to challenge stereotypes, speak out against discrimination, and feel secure within their school community. - Stay Grounded in the Mission of Our School Communities
Each school is its own ecosystem that is directly impacted by what happens outside, and vice versa. Schools provide so much more than academics, and must be able to address the many needs of their student body, their staff, and their families. Municipalities need to support the mission of schools as places of learning and growth for all students. The potential elimination of the U.S. Department of Education would threaten essential resources that help schools create positive, inclusive climates. Cuts could jeopardize anti-bullying programs, social-emotional learning, mental health support, and other vital services, like school meals and medical clinics. In times like these, it’s critical to advocate for policies that support inclusive, well-resourced schools that are the pride of their community. - Equip Students and Staff for Important Conversations
Schools should offer safe, structured spaces for open dialogue, where students and staff can express their thoughts and emotions, particularly considering the needs of those with the least power and privilege. Administrators can support families by ensuring that these conversations are handled with care, providing accurate information, and sharing resources on the election and on political and democratic processes. These conversations are essential for fostering understanding, empathy, and respect for diverse perspectives. By guiding students to listen actively, schools strengthen inclusivity and compassion. - Promote Civic Engagement
An election is just one moment in an ongoing civic journey. Schools play an important role in teaching students that their voices matter. Administrators, teachers, and all school staff can collaborate and model democratic processes and collaborative decision making. Encouraging involvement in community efforts, such as service learning projects, and modeling supportive dialogue and active listening fosters a culture of active citizenship and lifelong social responsibility. - Gather Community Feedback
Assessing your school climate is crucial for understanding the needs of the school community, especially in uncertain times. Tools like the Comprehensive School Climate Inventory (CSCI) offer valuable insights into safety, relationships, and engagement, allowing schools to respond effectively to community needs. Other opportunities to gather feedback include focus groups, interviews, and observations.
In an increasingly divided nation, prioritizing a positive school climate is not only an investment in students’ well-being but also in the health of our communities and the future of our democracy. Our commitment to inclusion, engagement, equity, and safety—alongside our 14 dimensions of school climate—remains as vital as ever. These values ensure that all students feel supported, regardless of shifting political landscapes.
The National School Climate Center is here to be a support and a partner to school communities, reinforcing these values so that every student has the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe and inclusive environment. Our schools reflect our communities–the hopes, needs, and potential–and we move forward together.
