New Trier School Board Adopts Statement Promoting Civil, Diverse Discourse

In advance of the fallout of what could be one of the most divisive Presidential elections in history, the New Trier High School Board recently adopted a statement officially setting expectations for civil, diverse discourse at New Trier, both today and into the future.

As far as we know New Trier's statement, found here in its Annual Plan, and below, is the first to be adopted by any American high school. We hope that it serves as a model for other schools which want to teach students how to think wisely, converse civilly, and engage productively in a world of competing ideas.

Bravo, New Trier!
 
Peter Tragos, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, explained its Statement on Civil Discourse and Critical Thinking, this way:

“The purpose of this [statement] is not only to integrate it into the annual plan, if not preface the annual plan, but really take an institutional stand or statement on civil discourse and critical thinking, staking out a claim that we engage and challenge students to think, to listen, to discuss real and controversial issues of the world and develop the skills to navigate multiple perspectives and think through our own assumptions, beliefs and biases.” 

The statement, generated by New Trier administrators and educators, was adopted at the Board meeting October 19 as part of New Trier's 2020/2021 overall school plan.
 
New Trier Neighbors, which proposed a free speech statement to the New Trier Board of Education at its July meeting, is wholly supportive of this powerful new statement. We believe adhering to the statement will foster in the New Trier community the tools needed to engage in civil discourse and the robust, diverse thinking that results in a free and productive citizenry.

As Benjamin Franklin said: "Without freedom of thought, there can be no such thing as wisdom; and no such thing as public liberty, without freedom of speech."
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Again: Bravo, New Trier!
New Trier's Statement on Civil Discourse and Critical Thinking included in 2020-2021 Annual Plan adopted October 19, 2020
20 Things you should know about
the "Fair Tax"

With just one day to go, Illinois' airwaves are being bombarded with ads for and against the progressive tax. If you're confused by all the noise and haven’t voted yet, see Wirepoints’ Progressive Tax Guide.

Wirepoints has put together 20 facts all Illinoisans should know, including what you’re voting on, what you’re not voting on, why if the progressive tax passes it will be easier to tax retirement income, how Illinois could tax incomes more than once, and more.


Are you interested in learning how the "fair" tax would impact your specific community? Here's a hint: If it passes, one-third of joint filers in Wilmette will pay more income tax. One-half of residents in Winnetka will. Want the details for your neighborhood? Visit NoCorruptionTax.com.

Also, New Trier Neighbor Mollie VanderLaan appears in this ad - take a look!

The upcoming vote will have major consequences for Illinois. All Illinoisans should know the facts.
Rally Nov. 14th:
Support the Option
for Full-time
In-Person Learning

Our friends at OpenNewTrier.org have over 500 supporters (and growing) advocating for safe, full-time in-person learning as an option at New Trier. Read their latest update about the November 14th press conference and rally. While other schools have successfully implemented a full-time in-person option, why is New Trier falling further behind? Our children's social and emotional health is suffering, and their education is stagnating. New Trier receives $27,000 per student and still hasn't reopened! Consider joining OpenNewTrier.org!

Our township friends in Glencoe are also working to fully reopen Central School Junior High with a full-time in-person option. Go to OpenCentralSchool.org and check out their COVID Resources!

All our children deserve the OPTION to be in school in-person full-time.

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