As a concerned student body we feel that a response to detrimental events, like those that occurred at the New Trier v. ETHS football games must focus on action and support for those harmed by the incident. In moments like this, we have the chance to set the norm for how our school handles these important issues when they arise.

      We urge you to put in place a program that fights racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and discrimination against all minorities from its roots in our school culture. 

We suggest:

• An assembly to discuss this incident and reinforce the school’s belief and stance on hate speech
• An outline for how to handle future incidents like this
  - Assembly
  - Materials for advisors (lead an open discussion – starters, ways to change topic if needed, etc.)
• Communication from the school about what they are doing to support 
                - Social workers available for drop ins
                - Release resources for students (helplines, etc.)
• More concrete action on the beliefs we stand for 
  - Monthly assemblies for the group of the month (hispanic heritage, DV, etc.)
  - An actionable, simple project for advisories related to that (making tie blankets, food drive, etc.)
  - Always include helplines etc. for this – destigmatize it
• Advisory curriculum
• Focuses on the diverse identities and their value 

• Giving back to the community and marginalized group – about participating in the community
• Educating places value on all groups and creates a culture where disparaging any of any of them is seen as more impactful for the whole community
• Helps students feel empathy towards all groups
   
• Makes students feel supported by their community and respected for who they are
• Student consequences should be about educating them 
   - Have to do research on the group they harmed 
   - Why what they did is a big deal 
   - Should be a loss of something – sport season etc. 

   After spending time studying other schools’ programs for reconciliation and have found that by instilling belonging and understanding of all groups, as well as having a set plan for management when incidents occur, our school can create a place where all students feel supported and safe. We are happy to create the materials that would be necessary to put this plan in place.