Trust
Longer ago than I would like to admit, I made the big decision about where to go to college. I don’t recall having a chart of pros and cons, nor do I remember a whole lot of pressure from my parents or others about which college to choose. Blessedly, the US News and World Report rankings of college and universities were still three years away. What I do remember is that something felt right about the place I ultimately attended. After making my decision, I dutifully filled out the return card and looked for how much the deposit would be. The answer was zero. If you tell us you are coming, the card advised, we will take you at your word, no deposit required. It was another reminder of the expectations that went along with joining the Haverford community.
Over the past six months, being the Head of Poly has inspired and humbled me. The creation of the Poly Community Fund, hours upon hours of professional development, wise advice and expert counsel, and extremely hard work are just some examples of what our community has shared. We have also witnessed heartbreaking stories of racism and marginalization from those who have found the courage and love to call upon us to honor our mission’s promise. The personal and institutional reckoning that has followed has strengthened us. The intangibles, perhaps what truly define us, have reflected the tenets of PolyHonor in our action and words.
As a member of the Poly community, I will act to foster inclusion and promote excellence in all that I do. I commit to approach my decisions with integrity, kindness, and generosity in all that I do, both on and off campus.
When our students return to campus, this covenant will be more important than ever to our community’s health and confidence. By then, we will have put all of the science-based guidance that we have gotten in place, and our policies and procedures will be thoughtful and thorough. More important than anything we can write, post, or record will be our understanding of our responsibility to each other, both on and off campus. A signed pledge by all community members—faculty, staff, students, and families—might offer a comforting optic, but enforcing it would be daunting, culturally divisive, and ultimately, hollow. Trust is what will eventually lead us back more quickly and stronger than ever.
Be well,
JWB
Back
Over the past six months, being the Head of Poly has inspired and humbled me. The creation of the Poly Community Fund, hours upon hours of professional development, wise advice and expert counsel, and extremely hard work are just some examples of what our community has shared. We have also witnessed heartbreaking stories of racism and marginalization from those who have found the courage and love to call upon us to honor our mission’s promise. The personal and institutional reckoning that has followed has strengthened us. The intangibles, perhaps what truly define us, have reflected the tenets of PolyHonor in our action and words.
As a member of the Poly community, I will act to foster inclusion and promote excellence in all that I do. I commit to approach my decisions with integrity, kindness, and generosity in all that I do, both on and off campus.
When our students return to campus, this covenant will be more important than ever to our community’s health and confidence. By then, we will have put all of the science-based guidance that we have gotten in place, and our policies and procedures will be thoughtful and thorough. More important than anything we can write, post, or record will be our understanding of our responsibility to each other, both on and off campus. A signed pledge by all community members—faculty, staff, students, and families—might offer a comforting optic, but enforcing it would be daunting, culturally divisive, and ultimately, hollow. Trust is what will eventually lead us back more quickly and stronger than ever.
Be well,
JWB
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