Hey News-Changers,

Monday was day one of the trial of Derek Chauvin, the Minneapolis police officer charged in the murder of George Floyd. So far, the jury has heard the powerful testimonies of six witnesses -- four of whom are under 18 years old. These young people courageously bore witness to Floyd’s final moments, and despite the trauma they experienced, they’re now taking to the stand to testify on his behalf.

Hearing about these events in the news can be challenging. Remember to take care of yourself and step away when you need to (check out our guide on coping with discrimination in the news for some tips). If you need immediate help, text DS to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line.

Let’s Do This!

Jackie

Students’ Mental Health Is Still an Issue as Their Schools Navigate This New Phase of the Pandemic

It seems like the pandemic’s end may be in sight given the encouraging rates of vaccination happening across the country. However, it’s certainly not over yet, as experts warn of a fourth wave of cases, and folks nationwide are still under physical distancing guidelines.

For a lot of students, the impact of the pandemic is still being felt in their schools, with many still operating remotely or with hybrid instruction. The weight of the pandemic is continuing to take a toll on their mental health even a year out.

According to the multi-school Healthy Minds Study, 83% of students reported that emotional or mental difficulties had hurt their academic performance in the past month, and about half of them struggled with depression and/or anxiety.

No Spring Break for Students to Catch Their Breath This Semester

Several colleges across the country cancelled or adjusted their spring breaks this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, including Harvard University, Yale University, Boston College, University of Alabama, and Texas A&M University.

Administrators hoped that it would discourage students from traveling and partying in the same way typical of pre-pandemic spring breaks.

Some schools are implementing a system of class-free “wellness days” interspersed throughout the semester rather than one continuous week off. However, students are arguing that this isn’t actually helpful for their mental health because it doesn’t give them a proper break from the stress of spring semester. Harvard students described wellness days as “just more time to do homework.”

Schools are Signalling That It’s Time to “Get Back to Normal”

Some young people feel that their schools are rushing to return to pre-pandemic normalcy, and in the process are becoming less accommodating to the mental, physical, and emotional needs of their students.

Schools are taking away accommodations they offered students early in the pandemic, like the ability to take classes pass/fail or extended deadlines for completing work.

“Not only are we experiencing a pandemic, but my classmates and I went through one of the craziest elections of all time, the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, the death of our loved ones due to COVID, and more,” high schooler Grace Oluwole told Teen Vogue. “I wish my school could have checked up more on us during this difficult time.”

Take Action: Read and share the New State of Mind: Youth Mental Health Guide, which was created by students, for students amid COVID-19.

Why aren’t more people talking about… how 3 out of 4 paid internships on Capitol Hill go to white people?

The good news is… sororities nationwide are considering a policy change to be more inclusive of non-binary members.

Meanwhile, in Mexico… Black immigrants are facing rampant racism while waiting for US asylum.

My hero today is… 16-year-old Torri’ell Norwood, who saved her best friend’s life with CPR just one day after taking a CPR course.

This week in Black joy… two new Black muppets are coming to Sesame Street, and a New York senior just became her high school’s first Black valedictorian.

Today in viral cuteness… a very angry frog who squeaks.

I’m obsessed with… this 4-year-old’s rendition of Selena’s “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom.”