William J. Kemble is reporting in the Daily Freeman superintendents of area school districts are reporting a heightened awareness of harassment and bullying based on their concern that young people may feel empowered by the President-elect’s campaign comments about Muslims, Hispanics and women. Following the election of Donald Trump, reports of racist incidents emerged from the nation’s schools and universities. Students have chanted “white power” and called black classmates “cotton pickers.” There were more than 20 of these types of incidents reported by the media last week. Red Hook school district Superintendent Paul Finch said his students have behaved well, but administrators have been asked to be “extra vigilant” for any sign to the contrary. Onteora Superintendent Bruce Watson said there have been no election-related problems among students in his district. However, Watson said he did investigate Facebook postings by people who claimed there were issues. Kingston Superintendent of Schools Paul Padalino said, “I’ve had nothing reported to me from my building principals that there’s been any harassment or bullying.” Padalino said there is a concern that some students might want to follow the example of Trump as a bully. “That’s always a fear,” he said. New Paltz Superintendent of Schools Maria Rice said there have been no instances of Trump-related harassment or bullying in her district. Rice said school staff have used Trump’s demeanor as an example of the type of behavior that should be avoided by students. Rhinebeck Superintendent Joseph Phelan said the district staff addressed concerns about Trump's influence from the beginning of the school year. “In my welcome-back address...I talked...about how the discourse in our country has been less than civil and respectful and just wanting to give the staff a heads-up...,” Phelan said. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.