Friends Forward

In an era of political polarization, Quaker schools face the challenge of maintaining a cohesive community while honoring the Light in each individual. This session invites Quaker educators to consider the role of student journalism as a vital “public square” for institutional health. Using Abington Friends School’s student newspaper, The Blue and White, as a case study, we will explore how moderated online comment sections can transform potentially toxic digital spaces into venues for authentic Quaker practice. Curated prompts, modeled on the New York Times Learning Network’s Student Opinion questions, invite upper school students to engage in respectful disagreement and discernment on issues ranging from campus life to global ethics. This practice offers a window into student sentiment and a proactive tool for civic education. In one example, student discourse sparked a new faculty committee and evolved school practices, proving that a well-moderated digital forum can lead to constructive institutional growth. The session will transition into an interactive dialogue, inviting participants to examine the function of journalism in their own schools. We will discuss how student media can serve as a catalyst for community-wide civil discourse.