Gov. Gretchen Whitmer visited Cass Tech on May 20 to discuss her new school cellphone policy. A bill that the governor recently signed calls for Michigan School Districts to create action plans that keep electronic devices away during class time.
Social studies teacher Luke Losie said his class was discussing the state’s new cellphone policy for schools and students. His student, freshman Karrington Mitchell, reached out to Whitmer and asked her if she would come to Cass Tech to discuss the policy.
When she came to Cass Tech, "she told us ... about the phone policy and gave us guides to life and things that we should do before we go to college or when we’re about to graduate,” Mitchell said.
When asked what the highlight was for him, Losie said that his students were really interested and excited to be able to meet and hear from her in person. They felt honored to be a part of her visit to Cass Tech.
“My highlight was honestly just seeing how many of our own students ... got so fired up for local politics,” Losie said.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer talks with students at Cass Tech on May 20. She was visiting the school after a freshman invited her to speak about the state's new cellphone policy for schools, which goes into effect in the fall. Photo by Jahziah Pitt/CT Visionary
Mitchell said the governor’s visit was exciting and also "kinda humbled me."
"[The visit] let me know that I could really do anything and my voice really does matter,” Mitchell said.
Losie said Whitmer said she is a work in progress and she is not perfect. He said he felt that was a great message to share with students because they learned they don’t have to be perfect even if they aspire to the highest position in the state.
“I think also really brought home for a lot of students the fact that you can ... participate in politics,” Losie said.
Mitchell said she was surprised when the governor accepted the invitation to come to Cass Tech.
“I didn’t know that she was actually gonna come 'cause I know she’s very busy,” Mitchell said.
Both Mitchell and Losie said they felt that the governor’s visit left the students with a feeling of empowerment.
They also understood the governor’s rationale for the new phone policy, which will go into effect in the fall.