For over 300 years Quaker schools have been teaching students to know and understand themselves and their relationship to others through a set of values–simplicity, stewardship, peace, integrity, community and equity. These values compel us to notice, acknowledge, and disrupt injustice.
On January 6, 2021, we all witnessed an armed insurrection against our nation’s capitol building.
This insurrection was in direct conflict with everything we believe as a school and as a community. The ideas, images, and language used to propel the insurrection forward–the ideas, images and language of white supremacy and anti-Semitism–are abhorrent, violent, and harmful.
In the days following the insurrection, FSMN teachers gave space and support to help our students process their ideas and feelings about this time. As we watch the aftermath of the insurrection, and the impeachment proceedings, we know that space and support will continue to be vital for our students.
We are all witnesses to this time and it is important that we bear witness and speak out. The Friends Council on Education (FCE) asked each Friends school head of school to sign the below editorial statement. In partnership with the FCE and my fellow heads of schools I have signed the statement. We stand in solidarity and affirm that,“There is much work to be done to turn hearts and minds toward becoming a society that is truly equitable and just.”
