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A prestigious New York City private school, charging $65,000 annually, has sparked discussion with its decision to accommodate students who may feel emotionally affected by the upcoming election results. The school’s head, Stacey Bobo, sent an email outlining plans to support students in the aftermath of the White House race.
According to The New York Times, Bobo’s email, titled “Election Day support,” detailed measures including no homework assignments on Election Day and no assessments the following day. Furthermore, students will be granted excused absences on Wednesday or when election results are announced if they feel unable to fully participate in classes.
This approach has drawn criticism from comedian Jerry Seinfeld, whose children previously attended the school. Seinfeld, 70, expressed his disapproval to the Times, questioning the school’s decision-making process and its potential impact on young people.
Teaching kids they aren’t resilient enough to handle the outcome of an election?
Good grief. How soft can we possibly get, America? Don’t let your kids skip school.https://t.co/cfCJvUVcvM
— Michele Tafoya (@Michele_Tafoya) November 1, 2024
“This is why the kids hated it. What kind of lives have these people led that makes them think that this is the right way to handle young people?” Seinfeld remarked. “To encourage them to buckle. This is the lesson they are providing, for ungodly sums of money.”
Seinfeld revealed that such decisions influenced his and his wife’s choice to transfer their children out of the prep school, known as Ethical Culture Fieldston School. The comedian’s comments highlight the ongoing debate surrounding how educational institutions should address politically sensitive events and their potential impact on students’ emotional well-being.
