Presidential visit affects FCPS students

By Nina Rennard and Reece Ingram

President Donald Trump is traveling to Lexington, KY, Nov 4, the day before the governors’ election to support Republican candidate Matt Bevin at Rupp Arena. This has caused Fayette County Public Schools to cancel all after school activities in light of the road closings for the President’s visit. Many students have been vocal about their opinions on the rally and the Beshear-Bevin debate.  

“I don’t think [school] should be closed for the full day,” HC Senior Will Byerman said. “If anything, a half day should be the maximum of what’s done. [His visit] shouldn’t take away completely from educational time.” 

Some students are leaving school early to attend Trump’s rally. They have been describing it as a once in a lifetime experience to see a current president. However, these students will be missing school in session.   

“[Canceling school] would be a great convenience,” HC Sophomore Beau Norton said. “It would be less of a hassle and much easier to get there.” 

With talk of school ending early or being cancelled, many students were hoping for a four-day weekend or a half day.  

“The only reason I see that could make sense is for traffic,” HC Senior and Young Democrats President Abby Gottesman said. “I think that we should be getting an education to understand politics rather than go to a rally.”  

The main concern for many is traffic and road closings. This could cause bus delays as well as other trouble for students getting home. 

“We have been working with our partners in the Lexington Police Department in anticipation of the potential effect the President’s visit to Lexington next week will have on late afternoon traffic,” Superintendent Manny Caulk said in a statement to FCPS families.  

The majority of downtown Lexington will be closed due to the rally, causing traffic issues throughout the rest of the city. 

“I think people would understand because it’s not necessarily for the reason of politics itself,” Norton said. “It’s more of a thing that happens often, it’s traffic, people have to deal with it. Just because it conveniences some more than others, doesn’t mean that we should not be able to do it.” 

The importance of these upcoming road closings, regardless of political beliefs, is necessary for a safe visit for the President.  While Byerman supports Beshear in the governor election, he welcomes political discourse. 

“I welcome [President Trump] coming to Lexington,” Byerman said. “I think that it is important that we are exposed to as many viewpoints as we can, whether we agree with them or not.”