My students were...themselves. That was it.

I was very nervous about today, as many of you were, as well. I was hoping that my seniors would take the high road. They did. I teach AP English, and most of my kids are from upper-middle class families. I had a feeling that most of them wouldn't walk out, but they did have an option.<br><br>Our principal and superintendent made all the right moves. They put the decision to walk out in the students' hands. I give them a lot of credit. We are in a conservative area. They knew where a lot of the board members stood on the issue. To be honest, I was a bit surprised that they went the direction they did.<br><br>Anyway, we had the following options for the kids:<br><br>1. Leave campus and walk out.<br><br>2. Stay on campus and listen to a podcast that we turned into a guided discussion.<br><br>3. Leave campus, go to the performing arts center on campus and watch a movie.<br><br>The kids could choose which ever direction they wanted to go.<br><br>Most of my students stayed with me, and a few seniors left campus. We talked as a class, and it was really a beautiful moment. My seniors are for the most part very bright, and they see the world for what it is. Many of them were frustrated that the students who walked out have no idea what they are walking out for. Many of our students didn't even know there was a walk out this month, and they definitely didn't know what it was for.<br><br>What really got me was one of my students. She is a conservative, doesn't believe in abortion (which is fine). During the discussion, she mentioned that she doesn't agree with abortion, but she does believe in a woman's right to choose what happens to her body. She also mentioned that she didn't walk out because she didn't want to piss anyone off, in particular, the school board. I was very impressed, and I let them know that. This is one of the smartest classes that I have taught in a long time, and it definitely restored my faith in GenZ.<br><br>&#x200B;<br><br>Edit:<br><br>Wow, this blew up. Thank you for my first silver. It is greatly appreciated.<br><br>If you made it this far, thank you. I am glad that you enjoyed it.<br><br>Have a great day.