Intro Letter
Dear Friends,
The American presidential election was a seminal event of the first semester at HM. Prior to the election, school administrators invested time and resources into ensuring that students felt safe to express their opinions when discussing political and social issues. As The Record reported in the November 8th issue:
In preparation for this election season, teachers participated in faculty meetings as part of an ongoing effort to address the sensitivity of the political scene, with multiple sessions held both last year and this year. During these sessions, teachers role-played and worked through specific scenarios to manage conflicts among students with differing political views, ensuring that each student’s perspective is acknowledged and respected.[1]
Horace Mann School classrooms are microcosms of society. Students learn to cultivate mutual understanding and friendship with those who have different perspectives. One student who was interviewed by The Record shared he appreciates the ability to “have civil discourse about politics at school” and “enjoys conversing with peers who do not politically align with his views.” He pointed out that “these conversations are always casual and non-threatening.”[2]
HM continually strives to cultivate a safe environment that allows for the respectful expression of different views. As The Record editorial board writes, it is vital that we are willing to engage in conversations with one another. The students urge “we must avoid absolute statements, valuing nuance in all of our discussions. If we can’t do this, the same division that led us to this very moment will once again prevail.”[3]
The thorough and thoughtful election coverage by The Record is enlightening and timely, as our community prepares to celebrate Thanksgiving. It is our hope in the Alumni Office that HM Lions everywhere will be inspired by our students’ voices and enjoy a holiday filled with openness, connection, and gratitude.
Warmly,
Kristin Lax
Director of Alumni Relations
[1] Evelyn Gross, “Classroom or Debate Stage? UD Class’s Approach to Election Discussions,” The Record, November 8, 2024, 4.
[2] Zach Hornfeld and Teddy Spencer, “Red and Blue Dominate Maroon and White: Students React to Election,” The Record, November 8, 2024, 1.
[3] Gross, “Classroom or Debate Stage? UD Class’s Approach to Election Discussions,” 4.