SUMMARY

It’s been a week since former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, threw an ugly spotlight on the small city of Springfield, Ohio, by spreading lies about Haitian immigrants killing and eating people’s pets. Since then, the city has seen multiple bomb threats, school closures and growing fear within the city’s immigrant community.

View the transcript of the story.

News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

KEY TERMS

disinformation — a story in the news or on social media that purposely contains falsehoods or lies

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

1. Who are the individuals and groups featured in this story?
2. Why have Trump and Vance attached themselves to this example of disinformation or intentional lies about Haitian immigrants killing and eating community members' pets?
3. What challenges have the threats had on residents of Springfield, including students, faculty and staff at schools and colleges? What about members of the Haitian community?
4. When did the threats to Springfield start?
5. How is the City of Springfield dealing with threats to their community?

FOCUS QUESTIONS

1. Why do you think Trump and Vance have continued to spread racist tropes (race-based stereotype) and disinformation about Haitian immigrants killing and eating community members' pets? Why do you think individuals have followed suit with bomb threats to the people of Springfield? Do you think their actions will affect voters come the Nov. 5 presidential election? Explain.
2. What additional steps do you think elected officials, law enforcement and community members should make to improve the situation in Springfield, Ohio?

Media literacy: How can you tell if a news story or social media post contains disinformation?

Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?

FOR MORE

What students can do: Talk about what you discussed in class with a neighbor, friend or parent/guardian, including the turmoil and hate that disinformation perpetuates. You may also want to watch the interview below, Gov. DeWine urges Trump and Vance to end 'very hurtful' comments about Haitian migrants.

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