When cases of outrageous misogyny reach the news, many students have a gut reaction of disgust, which might easily be followed by relief that Andover is free of the inequalities that plague the real world. This reaction, however tempting, is a delusion. Subtle de facto inequalities are present on campus and denying their existence precludes the search for solutions.
Cases of sexual harassment and violence at universities across the United States have caught recent national attention after Vice-President Joe Biden published a report clarifying the legal responsibilities of universities under Title IX on April 4.
Many Andover alumni matriculate at these schools and other universities, which are not immune to similar insensitivity or mistreatment of women. It is hard to imagine that sexist sentiments are born at universities, which brings up the question of where the foundation is forged. As a place where many people form their ideas about the world, high school, including Andover, is a logical place to look.
Male and female students tend to occupy different roles on campus. Since the merger of Phillips Academy and Abbot in 1973, four Student Council presidents have been girls. In the last four years there has been only one girl on Student Council’s executive board.
Girls lead many groups on campus such as CAMD clubs and community service initiatives. However, positions appointed by the entire school are more indicative of the community’s attitude than positions in smaller groups. The positions that require an election undoubtedly tend toward male appointments.
Some inequality manifests itself in high school culture. Casual language about rape, quick assumptions and thoughtless behavior create an atmosphere of passive inequality. Some girls feel limited opportunity based on their own perceptions or constructions of expectations. Living in a country with a long history of male leaders–all presidents, most CEOs–it is harder for many girls to imagine themselves in high power positions, which may foster a feeling of unattainability.
School-wide discussion after civil rights activist Lani Guinier’s visit to campus as the MLK Day keynote speaker demonstrated how much of an issue gender still is in society and at this school. Guinier’s speech touched on feminism as an example in the larger context of the impact of environment on equality, but in the wake of her speech, there was an explosion of different opinions regarding feminism.
The intensity of the reactions speaks to the unresolved understanding of equality and feminism at Andover. When no male or female student feels like his or her opportunities or expectations are restricted by gender, then relief over the absence of inequality may be justified, but Andover is not there yet.
This Editorial represents the views of The Phillipian Editorial Board CXXXIV.
