New Trier High School administrators and teachers generally maintain a standard of not talking about politics with students. I find this to be fair. Everyone has different opinions, and nearly all political topics have become incredibly controversial and polarizing.
For this reason, it may seem unusual for New Trier, whether it be the administration or teachers, to address comments made around the school and online regarding the recent election results, particularly those directed toward women. Prominent examples include the use of the phrase “your body, my choice” and the mocking of others when they felt let down after our country, for the second time, did not elect a woman as president.
New Trier saying something to the student body about this issue—not the results of the election specifically, but the harmful rhetoric that has resulted—would not contradict the stance it has taken in the past, as this really isn’t about politics.
It’s not about politics; it’s about respect. The women of New Trier and beyond deserve more respect than they’ve been getting lately. I have seen women made fun of or called uneducated for expressing disappointment over the election results. I hope we can all see why that disappointment holds more significance than just political views. It is completely valid to feel saddened when, as a woman, you witness the glass ceiling fail to break once again. It is even more frustrating when people attempt to delegitimize these feelings. Where you stand politically is irrelevant here, as respect for women and the challenges they face should transcend these divisions. Treating women, and their opinions, with dignity is always essential.
It’s not about politics; it’s about empathy. I cannot express how disappointed I was when the phrase “your body, my choice” started trending on the internet. I have unfortunately been subjected to many of these posts on various social media platforms, and I’m sure other New Trier students have as well. It feels unreal to me that people are saying this derogatory phrase so casually. It’s easy to joke about or make light of things that don’t affect us personally. Sure, the guys saying this won’t have to worry about their autonomy and right to their own bodies being violated. But I wonder if they would still say that in front of their mothers, sisters, grandmothers, or girlfriends? I can’t even imagine how self-centered someone has to be to feel comfortable laughing about an issue that could harm those around them.
It’s not about politics; it’s about equality. A continued movement toward equality should not be political. I recently learned about the beginnings of the women’s rights movement in my Advanced Placement U.S. History class. In 1848, the Seneca Falls Convention was held in New York, and the Declaration of Sentiments was first drafted. This document highlighted inequalities women faced and demanded equal rights. It asserted that everyone, regardless of gender, has the same natural rights. In other words, “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights.” Seneca Falls marked an official start to the fight for gender equality, but we are somehow still working to reach this goal, 176 years later. Crazy, I know, but action helps get us there. It is important to speak out against the perpetuation of hate, or it will never be stopped.
Even if the 2024 election had turned out differently, these comments or similar behavior would be just as inappropriate and impertinent. This is not a question of who, as hate should not be tolerated from anyone. Further, people from all ends of the political spectrum could be better about treating others’ opinions with respect.
New Trier often claims that equity is a top priority. While it does seem like they care, it can sometimes feel like all those words don’t amount to much. This seems to reign true for Jewish students who have witnessed many instances of hate in the past year as well.
I hope we will soon see New Trier’s commitment to equity go beyond just talk. Thankfully, the issues discussed here are not as big a problem at New Trier compared to on the internet or in other parts of the country, but it is still very important to acknowledge everything that is going on. My heart goes out to any women who have been made to feel hurt, uncomfortable, or belittled by any of the comments that have been circulating recently. It is already awful enough to see those things online, but it is even worse for it to be infecting our school. Practically every woman has experienced or will encounter instances of misogyny in their life, but this does not mean that these comments are okay. We always deserve respect.