The Upper School (US) continued with its election literacy programming one day post-election during the US Assembly held Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, in Schenck Auditorium. US Principal Kim Lalli made brief remarks and introduced US History teachers Alexander Russell-Walker, Philip Sirbul, and Justin Weiner to discuss what comes next from a historical perspective.
“History is our only data set,” said Mr. Russell-Walker, D-E’s History Chair and a 13-year faculty member.
With respect to those who were surprised or stunned by the election results, in which Donald Trump defeated VP Kamala Harris, Mr. Russell-Walker reminded us that “democracy is fundamentally disruptive.”
Mr. Sirbul detailed the upcoming deadlines that are part of every executive changeover, from the electoral vote certification dates to the inauguration on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, during which the U.S. President officially takes the oath of office and steps into the role.
Next, Mr. Weiner discussed the local election results and ballot propositions in New Jersey and New York and how these are as impactful to Americans as the federal election. For instance, New Yorkers voted on Tuesday to approve a measure that will protect abortion rights. “Local politics are very, very important,” said Mr. Weiner.
The assembly concluded with final thoughts from Mr. Russell-Walker on the value of media literacy, research skills, and a basic understanding of science and statistics, so that we are deliberate when we absorb or share news, memes, or questionable data points with others.
