A Better New Normal
By Michael C. Wirtz, Head of School, Hackley School
Mr. Wirtz shared this message with the Hackley community on May 31, 2020.
The Hackley community was last physically together nearly three months ago. In the days since, most of my professional efforts have been directed towards responding to COVID-19, both responding to the current situation and preparing for the future. This is important and meaningful work, and even as I grapple with social distancing and the implications of a “new normal,” news from Georgia, Minnesota, and elsewhere reminds me that there are critical aspects of the “old normal” that remain unacceptable.
The recent killings of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd are stark and tragic examples of an “old normal.” To say otherwise — or say nothing — would be to ignore the conversations that students, families, and colleagues are currently having in their homes. “That could have been me.” “That could have been my child.”
Engaging in the conversation only requires an examination of Hackley’s statement of purpose regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), which was endorsed by the Board of Trustees in December 2019. It closes as follows:
“…we recognize that this work, rooted in our distinctive culture and mission, is challenging, ongoing, and essential to who we are and what we aspire to be.”
Even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the community must challenge itself to rise to meet our aspirations. We can’t set aside our commitment to DEI work when times are difficult, returning to it only when convenient.
As often happens in schools, students remind us of our aspirations and hold us accountable to our words. Such was the case on Friday when Community Council President Taylor Robin sent a letter to Upper School students and faculty. Her words — powerful and personal — were written for the Upper School community and intended as a call to action. Taylor joins a chorus of voices from across the country in calling on society to address these moments as human rights issues, rather than as ideological arguments.
The letter was also a wonderful example of leadership, as Taylor held up both “windows and mirrors” for the community. She created a window through which to view the “old normal” experience that many in our community — and beyond — have on a regular basis, sharing the following:
What you have not witnessed was that I have been scared every day — and it is exhausting. I came home every day and had the same conversation with my parents telling me I have to be careful with my words and actions, that the rules are different for students like me. I am scared that the next news cycle will broadcast yet another black person getting shot.
Taylor’s words provided a mirror as well, ensuring that as we all seek solid footing in this pandemic, members of the Hackley community do not walk away from our commitment to one another and to our values.
Being aware is an important first step, especially if you feel helpless. No one can ever fix a problem unless we know of its existence. So hopefully we can start on a small scale, and improve our Hackley environment to be more aware of these detrimental social issues. Empathy and civility are two of the most important virtues shown on our Hackley campus and so I ask you all to practice this now and show your love and care for the black kids in our community. I cannot and will not speak for an entire race of students, faculty, or people in general. However, I, Taylor Robin, your outgoing student body president, urge you to share your compassion, and take action, because silence excuses the problem.
Following her message, the Upper School community will gather during a virtual “Air and Share” on Monday afternoon, creating space and time to discuss, process, and support those who elect to participate. This gathering is a small step, one rooted in our mission to “learn from the varying perspectives and backgrounds in our community and the world,” helps build up and support a community of allies.
Being and finding a friend can only happen in an environment where students and adults authentically learn from varying perspectives and backgrounds. Taylor’s perspective is one we should honor, even if it may differ from our own. Hackley’s values and aspirations require each of us to engage in these difficult conversations not when convenient, but as a regular feature of dialog with one another, all aimed at creating a better “new normal.”
