Unity in Diversity

Unity in Diversity

I first heard this seemingly contradictory phrase during the first meeting of West Chester Friends School's new Diversity Group this past fall. It is a translation of the national motto of Indonesia, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, which is taken from a fourteenth century Javanese tale of a Buddha-Prince that is notable for its promotion of tolerance between Hindus (Shivaites) and Buddhists:

It is said that the well-known Buddha and Shiva are two different substances.

They are indeed different, yet how is it possible to recognize their difference in a glance, since the truth of Jina (Buddha) and the truth of Shiva is one?

They are indeed different, but they are of the same kind, as there is no duality in Truth.

– Sutasoma, translation by Soewito Santoso

The parents who introduced this motto to the group (she is Indonesian) explained its significance in that it describes the unity of the Indonesian people despite their very diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The members of the Diversity Group felt that the motto describes our vision for the WCFS community and adopted it as the title of the group's mission statement.

The Diversity Group is comprised of dedicated parents, board members and faculty members and has accomplished some very meaningful work in only the first nine months of its existence. Its first goal is to ensure that every family feels welcome and is taking actions that include updating and formalizing the Buddy Family program, writing a booklet that answers many oft-asked questions, and translating the Parent Handbook into Spanish.

There are also special initiatives in the areas of education and outreach, one of which is taking place this week. West Chester Friends School is sponsoring the ChesterCounty Historical Society's screening of “Brother Outsider: TheLife of Bayard Rustin,” followed by a panel discussion, this Saturday, 1:00-4:00 at CCHS. I encourage all interested to join me there. (Please note: this event is not for children.)  A follow-up discussion will be held here at school on Tuesday evening at 7:00. You are welcome to join the conversation whether or not you are able to attend on Saturday.

The film along with the Historical Society's exhibit, “Bayard Rustin's Local Roots,” are in recognition of the 100^th anniversary of Rustin's birth. Best remembered for organizing the 1963 March on Washington, Rustin was an African American born in West Chester and raised by his grandmother, Julia Davis Rustin, who attended our school in the late 1800's (when it was the first and only integrated school in the area). Rustin credited his grandmother with instilling in him the Quaker values that led to his lifelong human rights activism.  I imagine they both would be encouraged to know that our fourth and fifth graders will be viewing portions of the film, learning about Rustin's West Chester roots and the March on Washington from his partner and the archivist of his estate, and visiting the exhibit.*

Another event influenced by the Diversity Group's efforts occurred last week when the annual Family Dance took on an international flair. School families shared their heritage through exciting displays of mementos, photos, maps, family trees, and delicious food. A highlight of the evening was the performance of traditional dances by members of the IndonesianCultural Club. This was among the very best of the Family Dances in my years at WCFS, precisely because it was a celebration of the many cultures that enrich our school community.

In what many consider to be our school song, there is a line that says the “Circle of Friends” is “a circle that never ends.” The song usually evokes in me an image of children and adults linked in a circle, always making room for more. The lyric applies as well to diversity work, which is ongoing and will always be before us. By pursuing this work with energy and integrity, we can ensure that WCFS remains a school community that celebrates Unity in Diversity.

* [For more on Rustin, check out this piece, produced by alum parent Kimberly Haas, that aired on the March 12 edition of WHYY's Radio Times.  The CCHS exhibit runs through the summer, and it is well worth visiting.]