As February rolls around, Andover commences programming for Black History Month—a dedicated time to appreciate Black peoples’ contributions and accomplishments throughout U.S. history. Student clubs burst into activity, hosting dances, cultural celebrations, speakers, and many other events designed to engage students in Black history and culture. However, amidst this month of celebration and remembrance at Andover, a shift has occurred on the national and political stage: United States President Donald Trump, shortly after his inauguration, issued executive orders aiming to terminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
Andover, as a diverse community boasting “Youth From Every Quarter,” has historically prioritized community values of diversity. Accordingly, Andover regularly provides numerous opportunities for students to engage in conversations about diversity and equity, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day-On and a range of All-School Meeting speakers. However, it’s important that we do not take these educational opportunities for granted. Shielded by the Andover Bubble, it’s easy to feel insulated or immune to the implications of changes in our political environment and turn a blind eye to what’s happening beyond campus.
Despite the wealth of opportunities accessible to us, students are not receptive or proactive enough in attending events. As students who balance academics, extracurriculars, athletics, and countless time-commitments, we are often dissuaded from seizing unique learning opportunities on campus due to busy schedules. However, we should recognize that we are immensely fortunate to be at an institution that proactively celebrates differences. Andover, as a private, non-profit institution, is uniquely privileged in its ability to organize programs that promote and uplift communities, particularly historically marginalized groups, despite national political changes. At a time when programs celebrating Black History Month are facing intense political scrutiny, it’s more important than ever to foster open and honest conversations about current events and recognize the profound impacts of wider political changes like the reversal of DEI. Embracing conversations about current events and actively engaging in broader discourse is a small, simple, yet critical step that we can take. Enter with an open mind, engage in unexpected perspectives and stories, and actively seek out educational opportunities.
We have a responsibility to both understand the reversal of DEI — challenging decades of social justice efforts — and recognize the broader social implications of those initiatives being taken away. At the end of the day, the Andover Bubble is only temporary. As we enter external institutions and become global citizens, we will directly experience the impact of the DEI reversal and other social and policy changes. Blissful ignorance is a dangerous privilege.
This editorial represents the views of The Phillipian, vol. CXLVIII.
