Navigating the 2024 Election in Schools

Schools are a cornerstone of inclusive democracy. They are places where students gain skills that serve them in the future, where, often for the first time, they socialize and communicate across cultural and belief systems, where they learn to analyze and interpret data and information critically, and, hopefully, where they learn how to use all of those skills to be active participants in an inclusive democracy.

During presidential election years, many of these opportunities coalesce as the historical becomes contemporary, the personal often becomes political, and rhetoric and propaganda require a higher level of critical thought and analysis. Political actors are cynically using bigoted conspiracy theories and misinformation to build power and win votes this election cycle. Students and families are often inundated with information—some of it true and some designed to purposely mislead.

The current election cycle is not unique in its level of divisiveness. However, the 24-hour media cycle and unfettered access to information through social media create conditions where misinformation, bigotry, and fearmongering cloud the debate in targeted ways that can challenge schools’ commitments to inclusive democracy. It is incumbent on all school faculty to challenge the bigoted misinformation that has become so commonplace in other areas of our communities.

This WSC Election Guide for Schools will outline some of the likely bigoted and anti-democracy messages that students may encounter and share resources to address them.