History is the foundation of progress. In order to know where we are going, we must know where we have been. If there is one school in the country that understands the influence on history best, it may very well be Andover. This institution is steeped in a long and rich history. We see it everywhere: in the Sam Phil cherry tree, on the worn marble staircases of Commons, in Andover/Exeter cheers and in the eyes of our teachers, who have seen generations of students grow into adults. We see history in the cycle of matriculation and commencement, each of us following in the steps of those before us. We encounter history from our very first moments on this campus, and we take pride in our history. Of all high schools in the country, you would think that Andover would understand the immensely powerful influence history has on our world, that Andover would place a high premium on teaching our students the foundations of the lives we lead. You would think that, here at Phillips Academy, founded in 1778, a large emphasis would be placed on History, especially the historical tradition with which our country’s own history is so intertwined. And you’d be wrong. As the Course of Study stands at the moment, no student at Phillips Academy will have the opportunity to study in depth the French Revolution, the Peace of Westphalia, or leaders like Louis XIV, Queen Victoria and Bismarck. None of us will be taught about Waterloo, nor will we get the chance to learn of the Great Schism or the Seven Years’ War. With the History Department’s decision to “bracket” History 340, Andover will essentially chop out the entirety of Western Tradition, save for a few passages in History 100 about trade routes, and a single term Senior elective covering about 30 years of European history. And it’s a damn shame. The vast majority of public and private high schools in the country teach a yearlong AP European History course. Here at Andover, we had something even better—an rigorous, advanced European history course with its own history. A course taught by one of a beloved teacher. A course that centered around continuing a tradition of excellence in historical study and a curriculum that tempted each generation of students to build on the past and be better than the last. A course that according to Christian Anderson ’09, has led 81 of the 82 students at PA lucky enough to take it sign a letter in its defense, including four members of The Phillipian. Due in part to the economy, which has forced all departments to tighten their budgets and reevaluate their staffing, History 340 is not scheduled to be taught next year. It is an absolute disgrace that we are allowing one of the most fundamental parts of history to drop off the map, however momentarily. Furthermore, recent history does not instill much confidence in the student body: after the loss of the Ancient History teacher, the course, arguably one of the most essential history courses, was also bracketed for several years before being entirely removed from the Course of Study. The administration has repeatedly claimed that the quality of education at Andover will not be deterred by the economic climate. But allowing the History Department to lose an integral part of any curriculum because of what Mr. Drench referred to as “budgetary realities” is a huge and horrifying sacrifice. In these last few weeks of school, the actions Phillips Academy takes in regards to History 340 will serve as a part of our history. Should we allow this course to drop, even for one year, we are going back on our claims of excellence of education. However, should we succeed in the fight to keep this essential part of our institutional memory and academic curriculum alive, we will be writing a new page in the history of our school. Phillips Academy will be acting on a commitment to maintaining the levels of academic excellence to which we alone hold claim. We will be signing a declaration of priorities that place intellect above all else and will not be deferred. This editorial represents the views of The Phillipian Editorial Board CXXXII.
