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November 4, 2016
mihsislander.org
Volume VI, Edition 2
Teachers shaping the next generation through political information Sophie Poole staff writer
Teachers hold a powerful role in shaping the next generation of voters. The official policy of the Mercer Island School District reflects this responsibility and states that teachers must maintain a politically neutral stance in their classrooms. Enforcing teachers to remain impartial about political discourse in the classroom allows students to formulate their own opinions free from influence. The official policy at Mercer Island High School, found in the Administrative and Board Policies book in section 5252A, states teach-
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ers and staff at the high of the issue. “I’m allowed or ‘I agree with Trump beschool have the right to to share my professional cause,’“ Puckett said. Stateshare their political views or my personal opinion...I ments teachers make can be easily misconif explicitly asked strued by students, by a student. therefore teachers Children are conmust tread caresidered a captive fully to avoid ofaudience; they are fense. legally required The 2016 Presito attend school dential election’s and listen to what less traditional teachers say in the nature provides classroom. Theresome teachers fore, teachers carwith connections ry a responsibilto their curricuity to provide stulum and learning dents with unbiopportunities for ased information. Photo by Sophie Poole Jeffrey Randolph uses examples from the election in his AP Psychology course. their students. As Puckett explains an introductory that a teacher can state their opinion to an in- can share about the current assignment in the AP dividual student if asked, affairs...I can’t say, ‘Well, I (continued on pg. 2) but must show both sides agree with Clinton because’
Inside
MIHS students getting involved in politics. Politics at MIHS > Page 2
Some of the less discussed issues the new president will face. Comparing Issues > Page 3
TALK ON THE ROCK The Presidential Election
“Itisisgoing goingtotobebea atight tight “It election between Business election between Business man Donald Trump man Donald Trump andand SecreSecretary State Clinton.� Hillary tary of State of Hillary Clinton.�
What do you think about the 2016 election?
Jay Maheshwari, freshman
“There will probably be a large fight between them about respecting women and other issues that go off topic.�
What do you think about the recent video of Donald Trump bragging about sexual assault?
“I think it is absolutely mortifying and a horrid misrepresentation of our nation. Bella Johnson, senior
“The words he spoke are completely unacceptable and should not be the mindset of one leading our country.�
Should Hillary be punished for the email scandal?
“Yes, she should be punished. Had she not been a politician we would not be asking this question in the first place.� Tyrell Little, senior
A backstage look at the rol media plays in politics. Spread > Page 4/5
Is Trump qualified for the most powerful position in America? Opinions > Page 6
Internet commenter Reid Martinez explains the election. Satire > Page 7
Make sure to check out our online reporting website at mihsislander.org!