Billboards, flags, t-shirts and hats showcasing political opinions and euphemisms are hard to avoid.
Meagan Patterson, an associate professor of educational psychology noted that political conversation is witnessed by children in many forms and it does affect them.
Veteran teacher Dan Garrison observed that while politics have been contentious throughout history there has been a change in the discourse. "What's different is the rancor, the lumping of 'my position is right therefore you're a bad person.'"
Bryan Vanosdale is a high school administrator who describes students today as more concerned about an issue than a candidate. Their mindset he said is, "I care about this. I want to see this change. I want to see this get better in my community. Let me try to find someone who can closely align to that."
- Meagan Patterson, associate professor of educational psychology, University of Kansas
- Dan Garrison, history teacher, Raymore-Peculiar South Middle School
- Bryan Vanosdale, vice principal, East High School