HISD

HISD students say riots at US Capitol were difficult to watch, but remain hopeful

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Thursday, January 7, 2021
One teacher told her students it takes participation for a democracy to work, and it looks like they're taking her words to heart.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- As the world watched the chaos unfold at the United States Capitol in Washington D.C., students across the country witnessed history. Students at HISD's Carnegie Vanguard High School said they saw the riots, but the COVID-19 pandemic made the viewing unusual.

"It was kind of detached," said student Talia Hirsch. "Usually, when big events happen, I'm used to being in the classroom."
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Dr. Charlotte Haney, a history teacher at Carnegie Vanguard, has in-person students, but some are opting to learn at home.

Images from January 6, 2021
As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Trump. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)none
Papers and gas masks are left behind after members left the floor of the House chamber as protesters try to break into the chamber at the Capitol. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)none
People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)none
A demonstrator has his eyes flushed with water after confronting police, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)none
Trump supporters rally Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)none
A protester is shown injured during a confrontation with police during a rally Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)none
People run in the halls as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)none
People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)none
A police officer has eyes flushed with water after a confrontation with demonstrators, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)none
U.S. Capitol Police hold protesters at gun-point near the House Chamber inside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)none
People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)none
Police with guns drawn watch as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.AP
A protester is seen inside the Senate chamber after dozens of pro-Trump supported breached security perimeters at the Capitol.none
Police keep a watch on demonstrators who tried to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)none
Police hold off Trump supporters who tried to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)none
Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)none
House of Representatives members leave the floor of the House chamber as protesters try to break into the chamber at the U.S. Capitol. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)none
U.S. Capitol Police try to hold back protesters outside the east doors to the House side of the U.S. Capitol, Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)none
U.S. Capitol Police with guns drawn stand near a barricaded door as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)none


"We miss being in the classroom together," said Dr. Haney. "Zoom is great, but it doesn't provide the same synergy the classroom does."

Despite the unusual time in education, Haney said her students have managed to stay engaged. She's told her students it takes participation for a democracy to work, and it appears her students are taking her words to heart.
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"You could feel the tension building up," said student Logan George. "Something like this wasn't unexpected."



Despite the political unrest, along with the challenges provided by the pandemic, these students are hopeful for the future.

"There is hope that we can eventually establish positive dialogue," explained Varshitha Krishman, also a student at Carnegie Vanguard. "I think schools are wonderful places to start those things."

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