In his email to staff, Eugene School District 4J Interim Superintendent Colt Gill presents a deeply one-sided response to the 2024 election, framing the re-election of President Trump as a direct cause of fear, anger, and uncertainty for the district.
While he stresses the importance of inclusion and safety, his words reveal a sharp ideological bias that alienates the majority of students and families in Eugene who may have supported the re-elected president. By implying that fear and hostility are appropriate responses to this election outcome, Superintendent Gill’s message inadvertently labels many students and families as harmful or unsafe simply for their political views. Such a divisive stance undermines the trust and inclusiveness that public schools are supposed to foster.
The message from Superintendent Gill also seems to disregard an important fact: with President Trump winning the popular vote and turning previously blue states red, Americans have spoken up for his leadership. Many of those Americans are right here in Eugene, with children in the 4J schools. The suggestion that these families and students should be viewed with trepidation or dismay is not only exclusionary; it fundamentally misses the message that American voters sent loud and clear. The district’s email fails to acknowledge this democratic decision, instead presenting it as a setback to be mourned rather than a result to be respected.
As a parent who had children in the 4J school district and who also attended 4j in the 90s, I’ve experienced firsthand how this ideological divide impacts students daily. My children, who are Christian, have been targeted for their beliefs and values as I was and continue to be – values that are dismissed and, at times, openly criticized by peers and even educators within the district. The district’s claim of providing a “safe and inclusive” environment rings hollow when students who hold conservative or religious beliefs are treated with suspicion or hostility, creating a climate of fear and discomfort for any child who dares to think differently.
My children were sent to classrooms with BLM flags, Gay Pride Flags, and the like but if they just mentioned their faith or considered wearing Trump merch they called hateful. Why is it OK for conservative Americans to be targeted with hate in our public schools? Why does the LGBTQ community get to wave their flags but God forbid other families hold to traditional family values?
Where is the call to kindness for those who are CELEBRATING the election results? All his email did was further isolate a growing community within his schools- conservatives. And now, students who disagree with the election results have the so-called adults backing them as they spew more hate towards American conservatives.
This is why so many families have fled 4j schools. This is why 4j has made national news for sexual fantasy essay assignments and pornographic book reading requirements- because all they care about is indoctrinating our children into their delusions. Trump-supporting families are right here in Eugene and go to your schools.
This message from the Superintendent perpetuates an environment where students and families feel the need to hide their views to avoid being singled out or shamed. It becomes clear that inclusivity, in the eyes of the district, extends only to those who align with specific ideologies. For students, this is particularly harmful. Children and teens learn best in environments that respect and encourage diverse perspectives – not in places that paint differing political opinions as threats.
Superintendent Gill’s email also fails to recognize that a healthy democracy thrives on a diversity of views. Public schools have a responsibility to remain politically neutral, providing a balanced environment where every student, regardless of background or beliefs, can feel safe, respected, and valued. When a school district sends out a message that effectively shames students and families based on their voting choices, it erodes that fundamental responsibility, fostering division rather than unity.
If Eugene School District 4J truly values inclusivity and respect, it should start by ensuring that every student, regardless of religion, political belief, or background, can feel that they belong. It’s crucial for the district to examine how implicit biases may be impacting its approach, to avoid sending messages that alienate a large portion of its community. True inclusivity means embracing all students and families – not just those who share a particular political or ideological viewpoint.
Whether you like it or not, MANY conservatives fill your halls. Many Christian students sit in your classrooms. And let me tell you- they are THRILLED with the election results- as is most of America. And now more than ever, they will not be silenced by your fear-mongering and absolute delusion. Focus on education- not indoctrination of your political garbage.
"With the re-election of President Trump, emotions will be at the surface…"
While the message acknowledges celebrations, it overwhelmingly frames the community's response in terms of "concern, trepidation, fear, and anger." This implicitly suggests that celebrating Trump’s re-election is an outlier response, despite the election results. A more neutral statement might have mentioned that any presidential election brings diverse responses without implying fear should be the norm.
"The President-Elect has stated… deport… eliminate the Department of Education… spoke out against, marginalized…"
Listing such actions and stances without context can create a frightening image of Trump as a uniform threat to various groups. It assumes that any criticisms he has made toward individuals of these backgrounds automatically extends to everyone in those groups. While there are valid criticisms, stating them this way implies that supporting Trump is inherently threatening to certain students.
"Our schools will be safe and inclusive places for all."
While this statement is welcome, it conflicts with the prior negative characterization of Trump and implicitly, by association, those who support him. Stating that schools will include everyone and then presenting a long list of Trump’s alleged offenses against various groups implicitly communicates to staff that Trump’s supporters threaten inclusivity.
"Students cannot learn if they, their families, or our staff feel unsafe."
This statement suggests that Trump’s re-election and his policies might create an unsafe environment for certain groups, indirectly tying political beliefs to physical or emotional safety issues. The link between conservative beliefs and safety concerns subtly implies that those holding these beliefs inherently compromise the well-being of others.
"Our work may have become more difficult today…"
The message encourages educators to acknowledge fear and tension, particularly in reaction to Trump’s re-election. However, it does not offer the same emotional space for students or staff who are supportive of Trump, inadvertently validating fear while minimizing celebration. This selective empathy could reinforce the idea that certain feelings (fear, anxiety) are more legitimate or valued than others (relief, happiness).
"We must strive to overcome implicit bias… institutional racism and bias…"
While this line aims to promote equity, it avoids mentioning that political bias can also be a form of prejudice. Since the message itself leans heavily in one political direction, this omission suggests that political beliefs aligned with Trump’s are somehow exempt from the protection granted to other identities.
"We honor all backgrounds, all identities, and all stories."
While this sounds inclusive, the letter’s overall tone undermines this message. By portraying Trump’s re-election as something that incites "fear and dread," it implies that honoring conservative stories and identities might be inconsistent with the district’s values. It risks making students or staff who are conservative feel excluded.
Overall, the email appears well-intentioned in its aim to foster inclusivity and emotional support. However, through selective empathy, a focus on negative reactions to Trump’s re-election, and an exclusion of political beliefs as part of "diversity," the message may indirectly promote an environment that alienates conservative students and families. The communication could be more balanced by equally validating diverse political views as part of the district’s commitment to inclusivity and by acknowledging that fear-based responses aren’t the only valid or reasonable reactions to a political event. This approach would help in truly fostering a safe space for all.
The email sent out:
Hello Everyone -
Today, with little rest or time for reflection, we return to our schools, coworkers, and students after a divisive national election season.
With the re-election of President Trump, emotions will be at the surface across our community. The 2024 election has stirred strong feelings. As many in the country celebrate, so will many supporters here in Eugene. We also have many people in our schools and community who are feeling concern, trepidation, fear, and anger over the results. Please take time to breathe today. Care for yourselves, and strive to provide additional grace to one another.
Most of our students will return to school today. Even in divided times, maybe even more in divided times, our students rely on the routine of school, the steadfastness of the adults in our system, and the love we provide to them each and every day. It may be harder for some staff to be at work today, but this is a moment when some students will come to school with more uncertainty, more fear than yesterday - thank you for stepping forward for our students.
The tension and an anxiety many will carry today is not unfounded. The President-Elect has stated that we will deport legal and illegal immigrants. He has stated that he will eliminate the U.S. Department of Education. He has spoke out against, marginalized, belittled, and/or intimidated immigrants, people of color, people with disabilities, people with LGBTQ2SIA+ identities, women, the media, Democratic Party members, people of Muslim faith, and others he disagrees with. When someone with such enormous power and responsibility willingly targets whole classes of people in this way; the weight, fright, and dread some will carry today and into the future is founded and requires no explanation.
As educators and caregivers, we carry the honor and heavy responsibility of creating safe, welcoming spaces where students learn from one another’s experiences. Even when lives and views differ, we encourage conversations grounded in empathy and respect. Our work may have become more difficult today and in future days, but our commitment to each other—and to each student—is to maintain classrooms that are welcoming, balanced, and supportive.
Our schools will be safe and inclusive places for all. Harassment, discrimination, and any behavior that targets others based on their race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, immigration status, or socioeconomic status are not acceptable in the Eugene 4J School District.
Our public schools are places of shared learning. For learning to be successful we must lean into the core values of safety, care, and inclusion. Students cannot learn if they, their families, or our staff feel unsafe. Our students are children, they need to know we care for them, and that we love them for exactly who they are. Our public schools are for everyone - full inclusion, full stop.
We must strive to overcome implicit bias in ourselves and the institutional racism and bias that is embedded in our system and structure to fully include each and every student.
We welcome every member of our community - every child, family member, and educator. We honor all backgrounds, all identities, and all stories. Our role is to provide an environment where every student can express themselves freely and respectfully. Together, let us continue building a district where students feel empowered, understood, resilient, and appreciated for who they are.
Thank you to each of you who make our district a caring and inclusive community. Let us move forward together, building a district that reflects the very best of our shared humanity. In doing so, we create a future where all our children can thrive. We are community and will be here for one another, today and every day.
Thank you,
Colt Gill
(he, him)
Interim Superintendent
Eugene 4J School District
