In today’s highly polarized political climate, even those who haven’t reached voting age are making their voices heard. A group of eighth graders visiting Washington, D.C. recently showcased their political awareness by opting out of a photo opportunity with Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan. This class, hailing from South Orange, New Jersey, was presented with the chance to snap a picture with Ryan, but nearly half of them, around 100 students, chose to express their dissent instead. Instead of joining the photo op, they gathered in a nearby parking lot.
Ryan, seemingly unfazed by the protest, shared a photo on his Instagram with the students who did participate. One of the students who opted out, Jason Thompson, explained his decision: “I can’t take a picture with someone who supports policies that harm education and leave millions without healthcare.” Other students echoed similar sentiments, with Emma Collins stating, “I don’t agree with his political views, so I decided not to be in it,” and Sarah Bennett adding, “I didn’t want to be in [the picture] because he aligns with many of Trump’s beliefs.”
While some students chose to participate, they clarified their reasons weren’t rooted in support for Ryan. “I thought it would be interesting to see a lawmaker up close, even though I disagree with many of his views,” said student Max Parker.
The community’s reactions to the students’ protest have varied, but the South Orange-Maplewood Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Lisa Martin, fully supports the students’ decision. She stated, “While we should always respect authority, standing up for one’s beliefs regarding a photo opportunity is a constitutional right. We’re proud of the students who made their own choices.”
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Summary
A group of eighth graders from South Orange, New Jersey, demonstrated strong political awareness by refusing a photo with Speaker Paul Ryan, expressing their dissent against his policies. Their actions sparked mixed reactions in the community, but they received support from their school superintendent, who praised their constitutional right to voice their opinions.