December 12, 2025 

EMPATHY. Seven letters to explain a basic human principle. 

TRUMP. Five letters that can ruin any mood. Drumbeat has problems with him, from cutting funding while spending recklessly, creating policies that hurt low income families, and disregarding basic human needs. Americans can debate all they want on these issues, but Drumbeat feels there’s one that needs to be discussed.

DEPORTATION. Eleven letters that can destroy any life. How are we sure of this? One of the Drumbeat authors is facing the threat of deportation as we write. No amount of debate or personal opinion makes this okay.

John, named hidden due to privacy reasons, is an incredible friend and an important member of our team. John is here with their family using a Green Card, which recently expired. Typically one renews the card using a passport, proof of residency, etc. and they stay with their family. Unfortunately like others, John was denied their Green Card from the U.S. Customs in Cleveland. Without jumping through hoops, John will be removed from the United States and forced to live in a country unsafe for them. Our friend is in actual danger.

John is a regular teenager, like us. They walk these halls, eat school lunch, and shush for Mum Day. They have rights to everyday experiences. However, due to their current situation, John won’t get the opportunity to finish their high school experience at Copley. Our classmate won’t get to rush the field after beating Revere, ride the mechanical bull at After-Prom, or graduate at E.J. Thomas with friends. There’s a speck of hope for John, but it’s as slim as a snow day. If John makes it to the New York Embassy in time to get their Green Card renewed there, they can continue their life here. Unfortunately, going to New York isn’t the same as going to the Media Center. Others visit New York for field trips, family, or chasing jobs, yet people like John have to drop everything for this. Even if John does make it to New York, denial can come in a heartbeat. No person should have to go through this unacceptable process just to have a life in America.

EMPATHY: The ability to understand and share the feelings

of another. Easy to spell and say, but difficult to show. John

requested we mention that they’re lucky compared to kids who

are being forcibly deported without a chance to say goodbye. John is unfortunately one of millions whose lives are getting turned upside down as a result of the current administration’s actions.

Readers: Put yourself in the shoes of your classmate John. Somebody who doesn’t know if they’re leaving, where they’re going, or if they’ll get to say goodbye. Understand these feelings, share them with your communities that are going through this, and don’t let anything get in the way of having empathy.

As a team, we think the current administration should

open a dictionary and learn the definition of EMPATHY.