The education system has always sought to offer equal education and opportunities to their students despite race, religion, sexuality, etc. Schools have aimed, for many years, to avoid both discrimination and exclusion to every degree, banning any discourse surrounding sensitive topics that could potentially offend other communities. These forbidden or taboo subjects often include religion, sexuality, and politics.
While political discussions are not allowed in general conversation amongst students, they are not completely omitted from educational lectures. Many schools teach U.S Government courses that detail all of the roles within the government and each of their responsibilities. The course does not extend beyond the explanation of these components and functions, avoiding any specific references to the sentiments of each political party and staying clear of any direct criticisms of government officials and/or members of office. These limitations on the subject aim to avoid any instances of bias and scrutinizations of individuals whose views do not align with those of the majority.
Politics are a major and seemingly inescapable part of our lives. They are an integral component of our society, and to many, are considered to be an invasive component of our society. There are several forms of media that share propagandistic perceptions that shape how we act, believe, and behave. There are also several news stories that cover protests and tragedies influenced through political motives.These stories often seep into the various forms of mainstream media that occupy the attention of the general public on a daily basis. This kind of invasive media embeds these intense issues into the minds of our youth, making it difficult not to discuss the ongoing crises that have developed within our contemporary political landscape. This raises a bigger and much more concerning question: “If students are forced to learn about the U.S. government to an extent and are being ambushed with political propaganda throughout mainstream media, then why are general conversations about politics deemed as taboo and inappropriate within school?”
The simple answer is that–well, there is no simple answer. Schools are responsible for fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students; therefore, banning political discourse would be beneficial as it would reduce potential conflicts, offer greater security and comfortability for students, and encourage students to stay focused on their education. Discussing politics is not necessarily shameful but rather inappropriate, giving credence and justification to the popular expression “there is a time and place for everything”. Having political discussions in school should not lead to harsh consequences as it is a crucial part of contemporary media and society. However, it should be reinforced that these conversations could potentially contribute to a judgmental and volatile learning experience, an experience that many schools are pushing to avoid and instead are striving to foster inclusivity and diversity to protect the rights of their students.
