Earlier this week we hosted a fascinating discussion as part of our LREI:Ideas speakers series. This second Ideas event of the year featured a panel of three members of NYC’s criminal justice system—a judge, a defense attorney and a member of the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office. The hour’s conversation was thoughtful, pointed and lively. Our panelists did not always agree nor did they always listen to each other. They had different styles and I imagine that each individual’s style suited her/his professional role and responsibilities. They shared a passion for the law, for justice, for fairness, for equity. The manners in which they have positioned themselves to work towards these goals differ. Their points of view on the system and their roles in it differ. However, each would say that they are working to make the City safer and more just for all and to protect the rights of all citizens. Common ground on intent and goals; differing points of view on how to proceed.
The LREI community should behave much the same way that this panel did. Holding passionate views that we defend and explain with strong well-reasoned arguments while listening to the views of others. It is essential that our students learn to be open to other’s views even when, maybe especially when, a minority of community members hold these views. To be honest, we as a community are not always good at this. We must improve. There are times at LREI when it is hard to hold views that are not those assumed to be held by the majority. When it comes to issues of human rights and justice, there may be less room for opposing viewpoints if these views limit or disparage the lives of others. In more political discussions we need to learn to be, to teach our students to be, open to the wisdom of our opponents. Hopefully, this will lead to greater understanding, larger areas of common ground and a more fruitful life for all.
Two items that will be of interest to some. I don’t want to make assumptions about your points-of-view.
- April 30-May 6 is Screen-Free Week, sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics. I remember a number of years ago the middle school, as a community, participated in what was then “TV Turn-Off Week.” It was fairly simple just to turn off the TV, a significantly more complicated proposition now, as screens are everywhere. (You are reading this on a screen where as in the past it would have been a piece of colored paper, crumpled up at the bottom of your child’s backpack.) We search for information many times per day. Our older children carry powerful computers in their pockets and these devices offer essential communication and academic functions as well as opportunities to play games and “hang out” with friends. What would it mean to be screen free in 2013? Likely somewhat different for each of us but maybe an experiment worth trying. I encourage you to use this coming week for at least a family conversation about “screen-time.” Family game time? Time with other families? An after dinner walk around the block? If you use the week of April 30-May 6 to cut down or go cold turkey, please let us know how you spend your time.
- If you have not done so, I encourage you to sign our 8th grade students’ petition urging legislation focused on decreasing gun violence. This will be especially important to some given yesterday’s Senate vote on this topic. You can find the petition at: www.youthdemand.org