Helping Students Find Their Voices
One of the most wonderful aspects of an independent school education is that students are encouraged to develop their own academic paths within the structure of a curriculum. On those paths, they discover their voices and their values. The best independent school teachers and staff are encouraging and proud supporters of students as they embark on these journeys of self discovery. Inevitably, if we’re doing our jobs well, our students reach a point at which their belief systems have become so well-developed that they may begin to challenge one another and may even challenge us. How amplified, then, do we let those student voices become once opinions begin to solidify? Is there a limit?
Celebration of difference in all of its forms – religion, gender, race, sexuality, ethnicity, and so on – has always been important to the community at Brimmer. We strive to inspire students to develop their passions and to act on them so that their peers may also be inspired. Social justice work is ostensibly great, and we embrace it. But what happens when the world becomes so complicated and interactions become so polarizing that we question whether or not we can continue to support student voices as we always have? It has become increasingly difficult to identify the line between healthy debate and unproductive arguing.
Since the 2016 presidential election, the discourse among students on campus has shifted, becoming more engaging and more challenging as headlines flash by at an alarming speed. Many of our students have newly formed political beliefs that have changed how even the best of friends understand one another. They have been surprised by what they have learned about themselves and each other. Their conversations have been heavy, covering a range of issues: economics, racism, immigration, “Me Too,” border security, and gun control are just some of these issues. As opinions have been shared over these last few years, our students have learned how to listen and respond to one another. In turn, the adults in the community have been tasked with providing the guidance around conversations that we are also learning how to have.
Because the climate has, at times, become so delicate, those of us in the adult community have discussed with one another how far we should allow students to go in their debates. It is wonderful to watch these kids think and perseverate on topics and ideas that are critically important to our country. On the other hand, people’s feelings can get hurt. However, by allowing for moderated debate in safe spaces, we ultimately serve our students best by advocating for and supporting their voices.
The topics of discussion that were new to some a few years ago have, for the foreseeable future, changed the climate here at school; there is more depth in our students’ interactions with one another and with their teachers. Along with the tougher conversations is a new awareness and level of care about the world outside of Brimmer, which is a good thing.
Thus far, we have been able to meet students at each challenging turn with opportunities to teach and appropriately guide them, and the level of discourse has subsequently been raised. Perhaps, then, there is no real limit to what we allow our students to share; as long as we listen well, we will keep Brimmer the thriving, forward-thinking community that we strive to be.
Brimmer and May School
69 Middlesex Road
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
617-566-7462
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
617-566-7462
As an inclusive private school community, Brimmer welcomes students who will increase the diversity of our school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, or any other characteristic protected from discrimination under state or federal law, in the administration of our educational policies, admissions practices, financial aid decisions, and athletic and other school-administered programs.