Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of Fieldston’s mission. Not only are they foundational elements of who we are and what we believe, but it is scientifically proven that these tenants yield greater critical thinking. Fieldston strives for diversity of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, and ability, yet diversity of thought does not seem equally embraced.
It becomes difficult to voice other opinions when “liberal” is equated with “moral” and we refuse to even acknowledge the common interests of humanity and ethicality that often inform multiple perspectives. So, for a school that stresses inclusion, something seems off.
Our institution’s verbalized ideology often spans the vast range between Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton, and we joke about not having a debate team because “Fieldston student can only debate one side.” Students have a tendency to ostracize those who appear to lack “liberal” ideals, and it has often felt that the indoctrination has started at a young age and there was limited space in the room to voice a different perspective. This is felt by students both inside and outside the classroom.
There are instances where individuals feel silenced and are genuinely terrified to voice their real opinions publicly. Fears like those compelled us to write this article. This piece is for anyone who has ever felt excluded due to differing viewpoints, and for everyone at Fieldston to initiate a fair and open dialogue on the many critical issues facing our community, and quite frankly, our world. If we are to be the change makers, let us start by changing the tone, tenors, and balance of our conversations.
By no means do we want to “Make Fieldston Great Again,” with hateful ideology and rhetoric that is fear-inducing to our community members, but we do strive to “Make Fieldston Think Again.” If we do not think about and consider the occurrences and ideas outside of our liberal bubble, the walls will soon be impossible to perforate.
Thinking about those outside of our community, and more importantly, hearing from them, is crucial. We are at a disadvantage when we confine ourselves to a liberal echo chamber. At the same time, we must also recognize that although Fieldston’s administration and student body often seem to express a monolithic liberal opinion, there are plenty of people in the community who do not share the same opinions on every topic. Refusing to listen to those opinions only furthers isolation and exclusion based on valuing people according to the “validity” of their ideas (and their identity) instead of the quality of their character.
Of course there is a line between differing opinions and hateful opinions, but most conservative or even centrist opinions are not hateful and we create more divisions when we label and dismiss them as such. At the very least, this can lead to apathy among students who don’t share the community’s political opinions, but it can also lead to frustration that turns students against “the left” and all of the ideas and values it holds. If Fieldston is trying to teach people to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion, this is not the way to do it.
Listening is the cornerstone of any successful community, and hearing those with contrasting beliefs is arguably the most important way to listen. Only once we have considered an issue from all points of view can we form an educated opinion. This is our civic duty – not to agree, but to listen, and when necessary, respectfully discuss or disagree.
Challenging beliefs is the best way to have stronger, more nuanced views. The best experiences in the classroom are when a teacher encourages the class to consider things from all points of view or in a debate when forced to argue a perspective we did not believe.
The wedge in beliefs and increase in partisanship continue to grow, not only in our school, but in our country. If we do not listen to others and attempt to understand—not necessarily agree—we will never learn to compromise. If we are better at having an opinion than understanding our opinion, the world will only grow more polarized. We must not forget to dig for the reasons behind beliefs. Everyone has a story; when all of us discuss and listen, we learn and can truly be a part of the solution together.
