But bigotry is not a democratic value. Hatred is not a democratic value. Misogyny, homophobia, Islamaphobia, and bullying are not democratic values.

I, and your teachers, and everyone at Crespi Middle School stand with our Muslim students, our Latino students, our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students. Our immigrant students, and your families. Everyone who feels threatened or afraid right now. We love you and we will protect you. Anyone that wants to deport you or your family will have to go through me first. I stand with you and I support you.

Young women, even though that man has said and done horrible things to women, it is not ok for you to be treated that way. The things he has said are despicable and beneath every single one of you. And young men, I want you to look to your teachers, coaches, your fathers, your uncles, pastors and other men in your life who treat women with respect and dignity. Those are the people who you can follow. I will continue to do everything that I can to be a great example to you with regard to how a true man treats all women with dignity and respect.

Be not afraid, be prepared. Be not timid, be informed. Be not defeated, be inspired to work harder, to read more, to engage in conversation and dialogue, to work with your allies toward a better future for yourself, your family, and your country. Education is now more important than it has ever been as it represents your opportunity to seize power and self determination.

I will leave you with a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” This is not the end of our story, but a moment on the arc toward justice for all.

Thank you, I love you, and I am here for you.”