The political tension influenced by the election between former President Donald J. Trump and President Joseph R. Biden has caused some complicated and unusual conversations among faculty and students in the KO middle school.
Political Ideology teacher Andy Krugman said, “We knew that this election had so many people emotionally wrapped up in it, sides were very clearly drawn, and it had an element of intensity to it that we have not seen before.” This intensity has left its mark on members of the middle school community; as Mr. Krugman said, “Whether it be on the students or teachers, the political tension fueled by the election has affected everyone.”
All eighth-graders are enrolled in Political Ideology, a class focused on each side of the spectrum’s ideological beliefs and the overall effects of politics, both inside and outside of the Kingswood Oxford community.
Students and teachers agree that this election has had more of an impact on students, whether in classes or within social circles.
Eighth-grader Lilli Goldman said, “As someone who does not associate much with politics, I have felt the tension between Democratic and Republican supporters and seen uncivil discourse in classes around the subject.”
Eighth-grade Ava Pear also said, “Politics is complicated. Everyone has different opinions and it often isn’t talked about in educational areas, but this year it’s turned into more of a common conversation.”
The election has had more effect on Kingswood this year than any of the previous elections, leaving Kingwood with the question of, “Do we talk about this within the KO community?”
