The Struggle for Amplifying Student’s Voices in Public Schools

By Sarah Chavez

Around my sophomore year in high school, I had the privilege of having an exceptional teacher who wholeheartedly dedicated herself to advocating for her students. During that period, our school was grappling with alarmingly high rates of sexual harassment and assault, which were distressingly neglected and unaddressed by the school administration. There were instances of tenured faculty members misusing their power and unjustly dismissing students in need of additional support. Additionally, our school's lockdown protocols were inadequately designed, leaving both students and teachers susceptible to the presence of unwelcome individuals. In response to these pressing issues, this teacher dedicated class time to attentively listen to the grievances of the students, seeking to understand their frustrations. These concerns encompassed the school's lack of support for student-led walkouts, the administration's failure to genuinely address the underlying causes of student problems during board meetings, and the school's tendency to prioritize academic matters over the well-being of students, including their mental health and other essential needs. The teacher recognized that these issues were not mere secondary matters to be attended to eventually, but rather urgent and fundamental elements of a conducive, safe, and inclusive learning environment.

Following our discussions, she courageously advocated for her students on a wide range of issues, despite the escalating tensions. This persisted for several months, but we noticed a change when she ceased holding discussions and seemed disengaged. Later, I discovered that she had decided to leave due to the overwhelming backlash and toxic environment created by the administration, which hindered her ability to support her students effectively. Watching her leave was difficult, especially considering everything she had done for us. This experience reinforced the significance of having capable elected officials on school boards and prioritizing student input in the selection of representatives and educators. It highlighted the importance of creating schools as spaces where students can be heard, learn, and thrive, rather than being confined and silenced.

The fact that teachers are forced to jeopardize their jobs to voice students' concerns, which are typically ignored by the administration and board, highlights multiple issues. For starters, a teacher's position should never be at risk because they advocate for their students. And the no brainer, students should never feel silenced in an educational system that is meant to uplift and amplify their voices.