At Lab, we learn the importance of advocating for ourselves, standing up for what is right and empowering those who are less fortunate. Seeking justice and inclusion are principles that are in our DNA.
So why is it that when President Donald Trump tramples the Constitution and signs various orders that change our country, we all sit idly by as he wreaks havoc on protections, freedom and rights? These orders change our country for the worse, while he acts like a dictator rather than someone who represents the people.
When the Trump administration froze all federal grant funding, my father and I were talking about how a substantial number of parents at Lab who work for the University of Chicago, receive most of their salaries and other support from these grants. My father, an oncologist at the University of Chicago, reviews research which cannot be possible without these grants. We talked about Mr. Trump’s decision to withdraw from the World Healthcare Organization and also after the coronavirus pandemic, the rising incidents of the bird flu and other viruses, decisions such as these are irresponsible coming from the leader of one of the strongest countries in the world.
Lab never talks about topics such as these, but rather ignores them, either purposely or blindly, turning a blind eye. Thus, the only way for a student to know what is happening is to seek out the news themselves. While this is a good habit to develop, it is not necessarily something one can expect of teenagers who are consumed with school and exist within an algorithmic social media bubble.
No matter how uncomfortable it is for some, this is the reason why it’s so important we talk about these issues at school. Important and damaging events are happening around us, and there is no excuse for ignoring them. Ignoring these issues will only bring more harm in the bigger picture of our future.
In Staci Garner’s eighth grade humanities class, I benefited greatly from her ability to talk about current world topics/issues. Ms. Garner talked about these issues because if it is important or causing trouble, it must be stated and discussed. I’ve respected and appreciated this greatly but am at a loss to understand why this approach has not continued in high school.
For instance, the morning after the presidential election results were announced, I was expecting to have at least a small discussion about it, but nothing happened. Instead, I went to Ms. Garner and we had a very brief discussion to ease my own anxiety. She ended the conversation with a reassuring statement, which sticks with me even now: “I know you’ll make a difference kiddo.”
While we have touched on some of these topics in my AT European History class with Christy Gerst, I have heard nothing from other teachers and very little from students around me. I find this strange, considering how much Lab encourages us to speak up for what we believe is right.
But how will I make a difference if the community around me are either ignoring or walking on eggshells when these issues and events come up?
Lab must take action and educate us on the events around us, without depending on just our own research. While this is only the start, they must talk about the issues around us now in a safer space, because if we don’t know how to talk about them now we will be unprepared as adults when the environment is less safe and stakes are higher.
