Leading up to the election, RKYHS students have been engaged in programming and conversations designed to increase civic participation and political literacy. Students took the Pew Typology Quiz to explore their own political positions and to explore the nuances of political beliefs in the U.S.

As part of the weekly SEED program, students heard from speakers who represent the party platforms of both the Democratic and Republican parties. The first of two speakers was Rabbi Joshua Runyan,� who has an extensive background in political journalism for Jewish news outlets and spoke about the Biden/Harris ticket and why he is supporting them. Students also heard from Jonathan Tobin, the award winning editor-in-chief of the Jewish News Service, JNS.org, and a contributing writer for National Review, to provide an alternate discussion on the pro-Trump/Pence campaign.

A special emphasis in class was placed on how to engage in respectful political dialogue with those who don’t share one’s political views, and the importance of exposing oneself to a multiplicity of political viewpoints. Students then voted in a virtual election, allowing them to practice participating in the democratic process. After the election, classes focused their attention on the Electoral College, exploring the history of the institution, as well as its impact on the election results.