Being generally appalled by the now former Select Board Chair Don Ludwig’s rhetoric of hate, discrimination, and supremacy of one race is truly an understatement.
His rights, like every American, of free speech are intrinsic to our cherished Constitution, but that speech must resonate with a modicum of respect, dignity and decorum.
Twenty-five years ago when we moved to Harvard in our historical home, we were provided the understanding that Harvard was a community resplendent in diversity and inclusionary ideals and that the educational experience was one of the best in Massachusetts. However now with Mr. Ludwig‘s vile words posted in over 9,000 messages on the X social media site and last year‘s “Nazi” graffiti incident we wonder, are we still such a community? I certainly hope and feel confident that we are … and will be!
It is so very sad that the hard-fought principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) have become misguided political philosophies of so many misinformed Americans and now spineless corporations. DEI is meant only to clarify the constitutional rights of liberty that each of us enjoy under our Constitution regardless of our ethnicity, religion, race, or background.
What now are the Harvard schools educators’ and leaders’ positions on the principles and curriculum of diversity, equality and inclusion? I, along with others in the Harvard community, call upon the town’s fine educational professionals, including our superintendent and principals, to provide a written, concise clarification (in the Harvard Press, please) of what your educational positions are on diversity, equality, and inclusion in our schools’ curriculum.
We all respect the hard work and sincere devotion of every teacher, principal, and our superintendent in providing for an exceptional education. It is a truly open and welcoming educational experience. May it continue.
Hopefully diversity, equality, and inclusion will reign supreme in our educational institutions and this social enlightenment will glow brightly for all. I look forward to a response.
Jared Wollaston
Elm Street
