US presidential election prompts 'alarming' rise of anti-Muslim sentiment in schools

More than a third of US teachers have reported a rise of anti-Muslim or anti-immigrant sentiment in schools as a result of the US presidential election campaign.

This is one of the key findings from a report on the effect of the campaign on school children. On top of that, more than two-thirds of teachers say immigrant students have expressed fears about what might happen to them after the election.

The Trump Effect was compiled by The Southern Poverty Law Centre (SPLC), and says "this year's primary season is starkly different from any in recent memory".

SPLC President Richard Cohen said: "We're deeply concerned about the level of fear among minority children who feel threatened by both the incendiary campaign rhetoric and the bullying they're encountering in school.

"We've seen Donald Trump behave like a 12-year-old, and now we're seeing 12-year-olds behave like Donald Trump."

The report also pointed to an increase in bullying of students whose race or religion have been discussed by candidates. It said it found the election campaign was producing "an alarming level of fear and anxiety among children of color and inflaming racial and ethnic tensions in the classroom." 

One effect of this is that more than 40 per cent of teachers are now afraid to teach about the election.

"I try not to bring it up since it is so stressful for my students," said one teacher in Arlington, Virginia.

Teaching Tolerance director and author of the report, Maureen Costello, said: "Schools are finding that their anti-bullying work is being tested and, in many places, falling apart.

"Most teachers seem to feel they need to make a choice between teaching about the election or protecting their kids. In elementary school, half have decided to avoid it. In middle and high schools, we're seeing more who have decided, for the first time, not to be neutral."

One teacher in Indianapolis, Indiana added: "I am at a point where I'm going to take a stand even it costs me my position."

The data was compiled through an online survey conducted between March 23 and April 2 and reports on over 5,000 comments. Although candidates weren't individually named in the questionnaire, Trump was mentioned in over 1,000 comments.

"My students are terrified of Donald Trump," wrote a teacher from a middle school with a large population of African-American Muslims. "They think that if he's elected, all black people will get sent back to Africa."

Another teacher said: "The word 'Trump' is enough to derail a class."

related articles
Stop saying Trump supporters are stupid and start dealing with the issues
Stop saying Trump supporters are stupid and start dealing with the issues

Stop saying Trump supporters are stupid and start dealing with the issues

How Trump's abortion comments revealed the true colours of pro-life America

How Trump's abortion comments revealed the true colours of pro-life America

Would Martin Luther King have voted for Donald Trump?
Would Martin Luther King have voted for Donald Trump?

Would Martin Luther King have voted for Donald Trump?

Bethel Church's Beni Johnson backs Trump: Here's why she's wrong

Bethel Church's Beni Johnson backs Trump: Here's why she's wrong

Donald Trump mixes up his evangelical supporters

Donald Trump mixes up his evangelical supporters

News
Danny Kruger: Britain should be 'confidently Christian'
Danny Kruger: Britain should be 'confidently Christian'

Reform MP Danny Kruger has spoken of the need for Britain to once more assert itself as a  country with a long and rich Christian Heritage.

400 girls 'missing' thanks to sex-selective abortions
400 girls 'missing' thanks to sex-selective abortions

Sex selective abortions appear to be taking place within the Indian community, data suggests.

Community pantries mark a million visits as new research highlights impact on food insecurity
Community pantries mark a million visits as new research highlights impact on food insecurity

Community pantries across the UK have recorded their one millionth visit, as new research suggests the membership-based food model is helping thousands of households reduce food insecurity, cut costs and prevent them from falling into extreme hardship.

Christmas was a mix of joy and hostility for Christians in India
Christmas was a mix of joy and hostility for Christians in India

India has witnessed a blend of joyful Christmas celebrations in many parts of the country, alongside reports of hate, hostility, and attacks on Christians this season, particularly in northern and central regions.