Minnesota educators and U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., shared their concerns over election rhetoric spilling into schools at a news conference Monday.
They cited a study by the Southern Poverty Law Center that found that teachers have reported some students acting out and others fearful about the fate of their families following the election.
"The essence of discourse in this election has devolved into a toxic verbal battle that has significant consequences for our children or our youth," said Anne Lindgren, speech language pathologist in the Anoka-Hennepin School District.
In particular, they noted commentary from Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, and a recent mural painted on a bridge near the University of Minnesota that said "Build the Wall," a reference to Trump's immigration policy.
"Minnesota cannot reward bullying, racial profiling and scapegoating," said Denise Specht, Education Minnesota president.
Trump has repeatedly denied being a bully.
Beatrice Dupuy
