I am a student at Yorktown High school who fought intensely for personal rights and deserve to stand by them. It pains me that after this tough battle, I am constantly reminded that there are many in my vicinity who are seemingly indifferent to the value of those rights. It is in light of this, that I am seeking a safe and inclusive academic environment by advocating for the closure of the Teenage Republican Group at our school. 

This feeling of unsafety among students is not unique to me. Across America, no less than 31.6% students have expressed fear for their physical safety in school, according to the CDC's 2017 report on Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance. Everyone should have the right to feel safe and welcomed in their own school, but hosting groups that could lead to division and discomfort among the students can undermine this fundamental privilege.

The presence of political factions within an educational institution could polarize students and affect their well-being negatively, while also diverting attention from the core objective of education, which is to provide knowledge and promote personal growth. Let's cultivate empathy, inclusion, and mutual respect among all students.

In the spirit of providing a safe, inclusive, and non-divisive environment for all students at Yorktown High School, sign this petition to request the termination the groups revolving anything political.