Update: This interview took place on September 30. On November 5, Jackson Lewis was elected to serve as a member of the school board for Canyons School District.
A year ago he was in high school, now he is running for school board
It’s common knowledge that young people don’t participate in politics. They don’t vote, they don’t volunteer, and they certainly don’t run for office – except when they do. Take Jackson Lewis, a campaign volunteer turned candidate, and an enthusiastic proponent of political engagement.
“I’ve been really passionate about politics, really, since the 2016 presidential election,” said candidate Jackson Lewis. “But 2020 is when I really started to take it into my own hands.”
Lewis is a 19-year-old college student currently running for Canyon District School Board in Utah. As a recent graduate of Hillcrest High School, Lewis felt he had a unique perspective on school related issues, and has entered the race as a strong advocate for public education, in a state where public education is actively under attack.
“Utah has the most powerful young voting block in the state of this country, if we chose to turn out and vote,” Lewis said. “So getting young people into office will make a world of difference, especially when most Utahns don’t think the legislature is directly representing them and their issues.”
Lewis is strongly against legislation enabling book bans in Utah schools, and deeply concerned about laws and heated discussions about the rights of gay and transgender students, issues that both made national news.
“I am a gay man. I was raised in a public education system, and book banning is something that I want to fight.”
With a personal connection to many challenged books, specifically “Heartstopper” by Alice Oseman, Lewis is a firm advocate for keeping books accessible to all students. Every reader deserves to see themselves in a book, and elected or not, Lewis will continue to combat book banning in schools.
“I checked out “Heartstopper” for the first time at Hillcrest High School Library. It helped me come to terms with who I was, and not having access to that information is unconscionable, and it’s something that I want to make sure never happens to a student in Canyon School District.”
Running on a platform that focuses on teachers and students, Lewis’ priorities also include tackling chronic absenteeism, combating anti-education rhetoric and policies, protecting students’ as they travel to and from school, and keeping them safe and fed during school.
Besides his own campaign, Lewis is also passionate about young people getting more involved in politics. So many of the problems we face today will impact young people the most, and while we can’t vote, there is still plenty to do such as volunteering for campaigns, writing to local elected officials, and even something as simple as talking to friends, family, and neighbors.
“Talk to your neighbor who you know is undecided,” says Lewis. “Even if you’re 15, the fact that a 15-year-old is coming up to them means the world to a lot of voters, even if you think it’s scary.”
While Lewis may be underestimated because of his age, it should actually be seen as an advantage. With a passion for education and a unique perspective on student life, Lewis has proven to be a strong candidate, and an advocate for teen voices – which we are desperately in need of. Lewis’ story is a clear reminder that as teens, we don’t have to wait for permission to step in and step up. Lewis leaves with one last piece of advice to any young person considering becoming involved with politics.
“Even if you lose, it doesn’t matter, the experience you will gain out of it is something you’ll never gain in a college, in a classroom…It’s something that can only be gained out on the field, and it’s worth it, so do it.”
