Events at Boston Latin School—culminating in the recent resignation of the headmaster and assistant headmaster, amid controversy over the school's handling of race-related incidents—bring the city of Boston to a pivotal crossroads.
Since its inception, this distinguished institution has produced some of the country’s best and brightest leaders and thinkers. Boston has proudly boasted being home to the nation’s oldest public school—but unfortunately, Boston is also home to some of the worst racial and wealth disparities. As the demographics of the city continue to dramatically change, it is important that all of our institutions embrace, affirm, and protect the diversity of this city. It is also important that we instill these same values in all the young people who attend BLS.
The future leadership of BLS must continue to uphold the tradition of academic excellence and create a culturally proficient and affirming learning environment. The two are not mutually exclusive. The process of identifying new leadership should be thorough and inclusive. In addition to the voices that have historically been included, like alumni and trustees, the process should also include community voice.
We also need to take a serious look at the admissions policy for the school—especially since the recent United States Supreme Court decision in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin has affirmed the value of diversity in educational settings. The ACLU of Massachusetts, along with many of our community partners, recently submitted a letter that detailed constitutionally permissible options to admit a broader and more diverse array of students. It is also important to increase the number of high achieving Black and Latinx students admitted from Boston Public Schools.
The brilliance, power, and conviction of our young people has brought us to this crossroads. Their advocacy and demands for change made the city aware that racial hostility and insensitivity should not be a part of the high school experience. There are no limits to what our young people can accomplish when they are supported and encouraged to advocate for themselves. We need to continue to seek out, include, and affirm their voices and ideas in all things that relate to the operation of this school and this school district.
The way forward is to focus on healing. There must be a restorative process that acknowledges the past wrongs and failings of the institution, the pain of losing a colleague, and the uncertainty of the future. But the healing process must also focus on justice, which requires transitional leadership and a new headmaster to be strong and visionary. BLS and the city of Boston must envision and embrace a future that is not only diverse but equitable and inclusive.
Rahsaan Hall is Director of the Racial Justice Program at the ACLU of Massachusetts.
