With the election approaching and political opinions being voiced, Park stands overwhelmingly to the left, overpowering those opinions belonging to students with Republican beliefs.

Although the high school prides itself in racial and cultural diversity, variance in political thought is lacking. The majority of the student body, including some faculty members, align with Democratic beliefs. Often students who reside in the minority lose their voice in fear of judgement from others.

According to the Oct. 26 mock election conducted at Park, 699 students voted for the Democratic nominee and 123 voted for the Republican nominee. Based on this information, the school has a definite minority and majority.

Because of this, Park is becoming a victim of the silo effect, only exposing itself to opinions similar to its own. The in-group bias becomes dangerous and often leads to the silencing of others. People who associate with the minority party and especially its nominee are immediately shut down and even called ‘ignorant’ or ‘uneducated’ for having a dissenting opinion. The opinions of these individuals are often swept under the rug instead of being acknowledged or heard.

Our school must encourage others to share opinions that differ from their own. By doing so, we can create a balanced community that allows individuals to share unique perspectives.

Park should be a school where all opinions can be heard. Right now, the group mentality of the majority silences other thoughts. Part of the problem can be attributed to teachers who openly endorse the Democratic candidate, but fail to mention the other side. Teachers should highlight positive and negative aspects of both sides while allowing students to interpret information and formulate opinions on their own, whether it be the majority or not.

With efforts to encourage critical thinking, the school will become a safe atmosphere for anyone. School should not be a place that silences students, but encourages everyone’s own opinions and creativity.