Following Donald Trump’s election as the next president, schools in Amherst, Northampton and Easthampton affirmed their commitment to providing safe, inclusive learning environments where discrimination is not tolerated.
In a joint email, Michael Morris, interim Amherst-Pelham superintendent, and Northampton Superintendent John Provost wrote to parents to say that children educated in those two communities would continue to be supported at school, regardless of their opinions of the outcome of the race.
“We are aware that there is a range of opinions and emotions from many individuals in our communities,” the letter reads. “Our talented staff will continue to be sensitive to students who express concerns about the election results and will partner with students and families to support them in whatever way is needed.”
In addition, the school systems have prepared faculty to help lead dialogue in their classrooms, while mental health support will be available to those who need it, according to the letter.
Reached Wednesday, Morris said faculty and staff at each of Amherst’s schools met to process the election results and to help them in their task of supporting children. “We positioned teachers to be facilitators and not advocates,” he said.
In an email to Easthampton families, Superintendent Nancy Follansbee said “many students came to school expressing strong feelings about the presidential election.
“Our staff addressed concerns as they arose and reassured our students that our schools, as always, remain safe places where viewpoints are shared respectfully and discrimination is not tolerated.”
As in Amherst and Northampton, Follansbee wrote that classroom structure would be maintained to provide children an appropriate learning environment through what could be a confusing time for some.
Chris Lindahl can be reached at clindahl@gazettenet.com