I’m Griffin Beach and I’m Dalan Vail. We are the editors-in-chief for Jacket Journal. 

We understand that the election results bring a wide range of reactions from shocked and upset to triumphant and joyful. However we at Mount Vernon High School are committed to keeping our school a safe and supportive community. In the previous week and a half we have seen an increase in unnecessary arguments focused on personal attacks not policy. Across the Nation, HBCUs have been targeted in racist attacks. Hundreds of black students have received messages telling them that they should be put back into slavery. Every American should condemn these acts. These are unacceptable messages of racism that have no place in our society. Similarly we have seen a rise of online attacks within our own community of insults rooted in political beliefs. Sadly we have seen comments telling members of our community to go back to Mexico. While others have resorted to insulting students’ intelligence we do not condone these attacks at Mount Vernon High School and we do commend those who go out of their way to spread supportive messages. Mount Vernon High School maintains a commitment to fostering a culture of kindness, respect and unity. We are a community that values every individual and we must strive to uplift one another especially during these very challenging times. We want to challenge everyone in our school to take a stand not just against hate but for understanding and having compassion. If you see someone being mistreated, step in or speak up. If you hear harmful language, call it out or offer a voice of support. It is not always easy but creating a better environment starts with each of us. Small acts of kindness and respect can go a long way in making everyone feel welcome and valued. Let’s also remember that disagreement is natural but it doesn’t have to be divisive healthy discussions focusing on ideas not insults can help us learn and grow together and at the end of the day we are all Jackets and we all wear that identity with pride. Let’s make Mount Vernon High School a place where everyone feels safe, respected, and included. But this isn’t just about responding to what has happened it’s about setting a standard for how we treat each other every single day. Words have power use them to encourage to build up and to show others that they matter. Take a moment today to reflect on how you can contribute to a more positive and supportive environment. Maybe that means reaching out to someone who seems alone; maybe it’s apologizing for something said in anger or frustration. Maybe it’s just choosing to listen more and judge less. We’re also calling on our clubs teams and organizations to help lead by example; whether it’s organizing events that promote inclusion or creating opportunities for connections. Every group can play a part in making our school better and don’t ever forget that our staff and counselors are here to help if you are feeling overwhelmed or if you’ve experienced something hurtful. Speak up! This is your school and you deserve to feel supported. Let’s be clear: hate and division has no place here but hope and unity that is what we want to fill our hallways with. That’s what makes us stronger as a school and also as individuals. Together we can set a tone for what makes Mount Vernon High School a place where differences are respected, challenges are faced with courage, and everyone belongs. Thank you for watching and thank you for being a part of our solution every action counts and every voice matters what should the world what it means to be Jackets. Stronger together always.