Miami Lakes Educational Center (MLEC) may be located in Miami Lakes but its students' communication extends far outside the borders of the town. MLEC has hosted "Twitter Talks" in the past, a hot topic discussed on social media using the Twitter platform, to encourage, educate, and discuss worldwide or nationwide issues. The latest of these talks were on ISIS and domestic abuse in the media, particularly in the NFL.
Using the hashtag #ISISCrisis, The Harbinger twitter served as a moderator for discussions among students and community members including Superintendent Alberto Carvalho. The students discussed the sensitive topic of intervening or stepping away from the former al Qaeda splinter group, ISIS. The hashtag became a trending topic and amid comments of ISIS' ability to recruit through social media, the online exchange ironically proved that social media can be wielded as a force for good, as well.
Points were made by various twitter users regarding national security and the responsibilities the U.S. may, or may not, have as a superpower.
“I hope we won’t have to look back at this time as another pointless military intervention, with a debt from foreign attacks,” said twitter user @rosy_casanueva.
“I think if we ignore this and let it get bigger it will be harder to control when it does present a threat to the U.S. in specific,” said another user @MoralesVDaniela.
The students brought about thoughtful discourse on the issues leaders of the nation are contemplating.
“This is a complex issue. There are no easy answers. But, we took the first step: talk. That is a freedom many lack,” tweeted The Harbinger.
A few weeks later the MLEC students held another Twitter Talk on the violence within the NFL. The Harbinger tweeted, “Ray Race is only the most recent in a string of controveries in sports. Why did this specific event spark such a public outcry?” In response, @emmamartinez98 tweeted “It’s one thing to hear it, another to see” referring to the 3 minute video which shows a domestic dispute between Ray Rice and then-fiance , Janay.
The student population showed their intelligent opinions while maintaining a cordial atmosphere, and successfully carried out both Twitter Talks to the delight of Superintendent Carvalho.
“Proud of our MDCPS students as they tackle some of the toughest issues impacting our world today,” tweeted Carvalho.