Whether one attends a school that reads or does not read DC Statements, there is always some controversy. Those in favor of public readings argue that doing so is the best way to prevent malicious rumors, while those in favor of anonymity argue that privacy should be prioritized. Considering that all our institutions strive to protect us students and have our best interests at heart, it seems counterintuitive that they have different approaches to handling the aftermath of DCs. We, the Editors, were interested in why these different decisions were made, so we asked our Deans. Here is what they had to say:

Concord Academy: Usually reads DC statements, but with option of anonymity

“Once the decision is made [by the disciplinary committee], the student is given the option for anonymity. Typically the general explanation of the violation and the decision made by the community are read aloud. We announce DCs to keep transparency around rules and consequences.”

- Sally Zimmerli, Acting Director of Student Life

Groton School: Does not read DC statements

“I don't believe in raising kids by shaming other kids. With a few exceptions, I believe in RESTORATIVE JUSTICE meted out in NOT shaming the transgressor. There are other ways to deal with discipline and this is a position in which I firmly believe as a headmaster and as a parent. Some may think lack of transparency leads to rumors and I think it's protecting dignity of students and their families because everyone makes mistakes. Find me a person, any person, who has never made a mistake and I will tell you that is rare. Therefore if you believe that most people make mistakes, we would be talking about DCs and not being proactive in telling young people how to bounce back from their mistakes. For the adults in the community, this is different as they are in loco parentis.”

- Temba Maqubela, Head of School

Milton Academy: Reads DC statements during morning assembly

“The main reason we read DC statements to the community is so everyone hears the same thing. The facts of the case are provided, as well as the response, and the message is the same to all students and faculty.”

- Jackie Bonenfant, Academic Dean

“For me, the DC statement serves as an opportunity  to share with the community the facts that were considered and the recommendation that was accepted and what we as a larger community can take away from this moment. Additionally, it is an opportunity to remind everyone that we as community live under a set of expectations, and that sometimes mistakes happen, we face consequences, and we move on as community members.”

- Jose Ruiz, Academic Dean

Northfield Mount Hermon School: Usually does not read DC statements

“As for reporting to the school community, you will see in the handbook that we reserve the right to report discipline to the community but in practice, this rarely happens. I see the value of doing this to address the rumor-issue, as well as to allow for others to learn from one another's mistakes. But, for now, we believe that the gains of announcing discipline do not outweigh the potential harm done to the students who who might feel that their privacy is violated in this process.”

- Nicole Hager, Dean of Students

Phillips Academy Andover: Does not read DC statements

“We do not share publicly a student’s discipline case because we would like to protect his/her/their privacy. Our process is designed so that students can learn from their mistakes with the support of the adults around them. We see the process as personalized and personal. We seek to educate the community about our values and expectations through our Blue Book and through community conversations.”

- Jennifer Elliott, Dean of Students

St. Mark’s School: Reads DC statements during all-school meetings

At St. Mark's we announce the results of disciplinary hearings at all-school meetings. This is done, primarily, for two reasons.

1) Such announcements remind students of the rules of our school and potential consequences that can arise when they are broken. 

2) They quell harmful rumors regarding students appearing before the SDC

- David Vachris, Dean of Students and John Warren, Head of School

Tabor Academy: Usually does not read DC statements

Tabor does not make official announcements regarding rulings of disciplinary committees, and will make an announcement if it is deemed in the best interest of the school and it’s students.

- Mel Bride, Dean of Students