Ethel Walker SchoolDear Walker’s Community,
Over the last few years, there have been many moments that have fractured our country and our school communities. And with each moment, we, as leaders of girls’ schools, have faced a dilemma: say nothing and be accused of silence, or say something and be accused of partisanship.
On Friday, the Supreme Court announced its decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, a landmark decision that ends the federal constitutional right to an abortion and rolls back a right that women have had for nearly 50 years. As leaders of girls’ schools, we are compelled to speak.
Regardless of our own views, we write today to reaffirm our schools’ unwavering commitment to the broader goal of girls and women achieving full economic, social, educational, political, and health equity. Our schools’ missions inspire girls and young women to defy stereotypes, overcome odds, and chart their own paths in life. Our schools are designed for girls and women to claim their voices and to make choices with integrity. We are proud of our students and alums, who use their critical thinking skills and the power of their voices to advocate for human rights and women’s rights to create a more just and equitable world. This is the foundation on which our schools are built.
When the new school year begins, we will continue the challenging work of true civil discourse that engages students in taking perspective, cultivating empathy, and seeking understanding. As cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead reminds us, schools must strive to teach students how to think, not what to think. Our work remains unchanged: to equip our students to develop the tools and habits of mind to become ethical leaders in a rapidly changing world.
Sincerely,
Katherine L. Bradley, Head of School, Dana Hall School (Massachusetts)
Jennifer C. Galambos, Head of School, Kent Place School (New Jersey)
Wanda M. Holland Greene, Head of School, The Hamlin School (California)
Julia Heaton, Head of School, Miss Hall’s School (Massachusetts)
Susanna A. Jones, Head of School, Holton-Arms School (Maryland)
Nanci Z. Kauffman, Head of School, Castilleja School (California)
Tara Christie Kinsey, Head of School, The Hewitt School (New York)
Ann V. Klotz, Head of School, Laurel School (Ohio)
Sophie Lau, Head of School, Lincoln School (Rhode Island)
Meera Viswanathan, Head of School, The Ethel Walker School (Connecticut)
Katherine G. Windsor, Head of School, Miss Porter’s School (Connecticut)
