Boston Public Schools Offer Counseling To Students 'Still Processing" Trump's Win
BOSTON (CBS) – The superintendent of Boston Public Schools is pledging to support students who may have "fears or concerns" about the election of Donald Trump as president.
Superintendent Tommy Chang said in a letter on Wednesday that "the coming days and weeks may be challenging for many, and celebratory for others."
"Many of our students and fellow educators are still processing the outcome," he wrote. "It is important today to be strong for our students and each other."
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Chang said the schools' behavioral health department will be available to counsel students "who may be having a difficult time processing any fears or concerns they may have." Boston's Employee Assistance Program is also a resource for city workers needing support.
Teachers are being encouraged to use the election as an opportunity to talk with students about the democratic process, resolving differences and addressing conflicting ideologies.
"We are fortunate to live in a democracy where we can hold these conversations even if we disagree with the outcome," Chang said.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said the day after Election Day "was a tough day for a lot of people," including children.
"Young kids read the paper, they watch TV, they know what's being said so when you hear horrible things about people, some of the comments that were made, they hear it and they take it in so there is a little fear there," Walsh said.
Hillary Clinton won big in the city of Boston, racking up 216,754 votes compared to Trump's 37,756.
