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As we close out the year and look ahead with great hope and optimism, we want to share with you videos from our Diversity of Thought in K-12 Education Conference. Visit our YouTube channel to view the full content.
Highlight
We'd like to highlight Dr. John P.N. Austin, Deerfield Head of School. He is a courageous exemplar who clearly outlines his Vision for true “liberal education” that teaches students how to think, not what to think. Please take the time to listen to or read his inspiring speech.
Though it’s almost impossible to choose, here are a few sections from his speech that really stood out:
"In our recent update on inclusion and community life, I outlined two broad goals: The first is to sustain and deepen a climate where all Deerfield students can thrive and flourish in a community of respect and care for one another. The second is to intentionally support a learning culture that honors the disparate beliefs of a diverse and dynamic student body drawn from across the United States and around the globe. This includes a commitment to free and open inquiry, and to expressive freedom—a freedom that includes ideas and opinions that some may consider disagreeable, unwelcome, or unpopular. What we call inclusion—the art of creating a powerful sense of community that recognizes and honors each student’s individuality and imparts to them a full and equal sense of belonging— is the foundation of Deerfield’s work as a school—and it’s a collective undertaking. Inclusion is not an office. It’s not a five point plan. And it’s not a series of “trainings” (something that should never be confused with education and learning).”
"I believe that schools can affirm and uphold the values that support a kind, caring, and inclusive community—a community free from attitudinal racism, bullying, harassment, and discrimination— without endorsing a particular political program or philosophy. There is no conflict between making good people and able citizens while also remaining agnostic on political and ideological questions. These assumptions should inform our practice as teachers, as well. As teachers, we, too, should strive for pedagogical neutrality—again, so that we can cultivate intellectual agency among students and encourage independent thought.”
"In the end, our vocation as teachers is educational and civic, not political, even—and this is critically important—as we embrace controversy and debate. Just as we strive for pedagogical neutrality, so too should we actively and positively embrace what I call “argument-inclusiveness,” both as an instructional practice and principle of curricular design."
"What practices support argument-inclusiveness in the classroom?
Include Rival Thinkers
Remove Bias
Teach and Model Norms of Civility
Act with Generosity
Create the Conditions for Intellectual Adventurousness"
FIRE's Annual Free Speech Essay Contest
The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) is awarding $20,000 in scholarships to students who can make the best argument for why freedom of speech is a better idea than censorship. All juniors and seniors in U.S. high schools are eligible. Entries are due by December 31. Check out FIRE's essay contest page for details.