After a tumultuous year that did not end well for many students, schools, and their leadership, steps are being taken to prepare for what could be an equally volatile fall semester. As the threat of anti-Israel protests and a divisive election season looms, higher education is attempting a preemptive strike to set the “rules” of engagement.” Here is a sampling of universities proclaiming institutional neutrality and a commitment to free and open inquiry and civil discourse.
How many schools actually mean it? As we always say, watch what they do, not what they say.
What does this have to do with K-12 independent schools?
If K-12 schools were doing their jobs well, students wouldn’t show up on college campuses self-censoring, fearful of “uncomfortable ideas,” and unable to engage in civil discourse. These and many other important life skills would have been modeled and taught during the formative years.
Instead, independent schools have struggled to navigate increased polarization and myriad constituents, such as activist teachers and trustees who seem to have different priorities. School “leadership” has tried to be all things to all people, which means the “purpose of the school” is often neglected.
Help for students and teachers
As independent schools grapple with how to engage students and promote constructive dialogue about the 2024 presidential election and other polarizing issues, we recommend that they enlist Rachel Janfaza. Janfaza brings first-hand experience as an alum of elite independent schools and Harvard. Before joining CNN in 2020, Janfaza covered youth political culture for Teen Vogue and MTV News, exploring youth activism worldwide.
According to Janfaza, “one third of the country’s college students are reportedly uncomfortable sharing their political opinions on campus – a reality that’s likely mirrored in high schools across the country. [Her] goal is to help students feel comfortable speaking up about politics and political issues, no matter where they may stand on the ideological spectrum –and to create a forum for a productive political conversation in an educational setting that is inclusive of all perspectives.”
See here for more details: 2024 Election Independent School Student Listening and Faculty Feedback Sessions
How can parents support their students?
Go to Back To School Night
Attend Back To School Night and learn how your school will encourage and support viewpoint diversity on campus.
Visit the New Parents Unite Website
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