On Friday, June 5, Choate hosted a Day of Conversation and Reflection for students and faculty, which began with discussions and films based on the injustices long faced by Black Americans. The afternoon’s schedule focused on discussion-based workshops about topics such as social media activism, the harm in “All Lives Matter,” and art’s place in protest. In addition to these general workshops, there were affinity spaces available for students of color and Black students.
For Director of Equity and Inclusion Dr. Rachel Myers, workshops like these are essential in helping students learn to discuss sensitive, identity-based topics — even when not everybody sees eye to eye. “Let’s learn to respectfully disagree and respectfully talk to each other,” said Dr. Myers, “so that we’re not saying microaggressions or criticizing other people’s existence.” Thoughtful communication, she added, is necessary to make sure all students feel like as though they belong on campus.
Despite the School’s intentions to spread awareness and encourage discussion, some felt that the Day of Conversation and Reflection did not achieve its desired goal. Allyson Alavez ’22 said, “I don’t think it was effective at all because it wasn’t mandatory. The people that chose to go were those that were already informed enough about the issues to really want to learn.”
The School stated that the Day of Conversation and Reflection was highly encouraged but not mandatory in order to help Black community members avoid the emotional toll such conversations may take on them. “Black community members may simply need to opt out for the important work of self-care and forcing participation would be yet another example of racism that privileges white need over all others,” read an email Mr. Velez sent to the community on June 4.
