WHAT CAN WE DO TO SURVIVE AN ELECTION YEAR?

I was co-hosting an Anti-Racist Hot Dog party with educators in Walla Walla when one of them raised their hand and asked, "How can we deal with kids and parents in an election year? Last election cycle, kids were screaming ‘Build that wall,’ and parents are already coming in, complaining that we’re teaching white hate when we teach history. How are we, as educators, supposed to survive an election year?"

It was January, and the weight of that question settled over the room. There was a long pause as my co-founder, Stephen, and I gathered our thoughts. Sensing the tension, he broke the silence with a grin, "Give us the solution, fellas—that’s why we pay you the big bucks!" The room erupted in laughter, but the question remained.

I took a deep breath and responded with something to this effect: Leadership during uncertain and polarizing times needs to be decisive, upfront, and willing to adapt with new information—the idea of ‘present truth.’

1. Decisiveness: Clarity on Values and Policies

School leaders need to set clear, unwavering guidelines on what their institution stands for regarding inclusion, diversity, and respect. This isn’t about being reactive; it’s about being proactive.

• Based on school values, goals, and input from parents and students, create an explicit code of conduct outlining what constitutes discrimination and the consequences for students, teachers, and parents who violate these principles.
• When students enroll or begin a new semester, require parents to sign an agreement to adhere to the school's policies. If they disagree with the terms, they have the option to find a school that aligns with their values.

Research Insight: According to a 2022 report by the Learning Policy Institute, schools that establish and consistently enforce inclusive policies see a 30% reduction in reported bullying incidents and an increase in student engagement.

2. Present Truth: A Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Being a leader in education doesn’t mean having all the answers—it means having the humility to adapt. No policy will be perfect; some may inadvertently exclude certain groups or fail to address evolving concerns. That’s why leaders must create a structured way for students, teachers, and parents to provide feedback.

• Establish a safe and accessible mechanism for concerns and suggestions regarding school policies on inclusion.
• When feedback is received, evaluate it against best practices, ethical standards, and the school’s mission to determine whether changes are needed.
• Recognize that inclusivity is a continuous process, not a one-time policy—adjustments will be necessary as society and student needs evolve.

Research Insight: A study from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education found that schools that implemented student and faculty-led feedback mechanisms saw a 15% improvement in student perceptions of fairness and inclusion within two years.

3. Building Buy-In: Making Inclusion a School-Wide Initiative

Policies alone aren’t enough. If educators are the only ones invested in fostering inclusivity, it will feel like an uphill battle. The entire school community—students, parents, staff—needs to be engaged in this process.

• Lead with ‘Why’: Don’t limit these conversations to staff meetings. Host events, town halls, and storytelling sessions where students and parents can understand the why behind inclusion efforts.
• Make it engaging and incentivized: Frame these conversations as opportunities for growth rather than compliance. Interactive workshops, student-led projects, and school-wide initiatives can make this process meaningful.
• Meet people where they’re at: Not everyone will be at the same stage of understanding. Provide multiple entry points—reading materials, speaker events, student forums—to ensure that diverse perspectives are considered.

Research Insight: Studies from the Southern Poverty Law Center show that schools integrating interactive diversity and inclusion programs experience a 25% increase in student empathy and cross-cultural relationships.

Election years can be turbulent, but they also present an opportunity for schools to double down on their commitment to fostering resilient, inclusive learning environments. By being decisive about values, embracing a present truth mindset, and building buy-in through engagement, school leaders can create a culture where students and educators feel supported—no matter the political climate.

So, as we gear up for new leadership, let’s ask ourselves: Are we leading reactively, or are we shaping a future where every student feels safe, valued, and empowered?