Everyone has their own opinion about politics, but teachers have a responsibility to leave their own personal affiliation and political opinions out of the classroom. Politics sometimes cannot be avoided, so when they arise teachers should have the upmost respect and caution when addressing the issue. Professors should take all sides into account and discuss them in a mature, non-demeaning manner. Professors will have students from a variety of political backgrounds, and they need to take this into account.

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As Maxine Hairston explains, composition classes should be focused on writing and the critical thinking skills involved with composition. Composition professors should emphasize the writing process, and only use essays or readings as a way to support students' writing. 

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Students need to be encouraged to take chances in class and with their writing, as Hairston explains. Composition professors should encourage students to write about topics they are interested in. If a student’s interest happens to be politics, then the teacher needs to grade fairly. They should put aside their own opinion and focus on the student’s critical thinking and writing skills.

 

Hairston, Maxind. "Diversity, Ideology, and Teaching Writing."The Presence of Others: Voices and Images that Call for Response. 5th Ed. Eds. Andrea A. Lunsford and John J. Ruszkiewicz. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2008. 75-8. Print.

Creating a safe and inviting classroom: