To the Editor:

Respectfully, I respond to the February 4, 2022 [Letter Hive submission] “Back to the Basics – Not DEI.” As an educator, I strongly support teaching the basics. However, basics have rightly evolved from yesterday’s ABCs to today’s 5Cs — critical thinking, creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and citizenship skills.

Without our students being able to objectively analyze and evaluate issues that confront them now and in future years, it will be difficult for them to form sound judgments. By necessity, part of that process will include looking at problems in new, unusual, and even unconventional ways. Also, students must be able to take the fruit of their exploration and effectively communicate their insights to others through whatever medium is appropriate and available, as well as doing all of this while working in concert with others.

The world is not homogeneous, but a conglomerate inhabited by a wide assortment of peoples with varying beliefs, customs, and orientations. Students need to be able to hear, listen, respect, and include other points of views in their mind’s-eye view of the world to successfully be good citizens and engage in today’s global community.

Though I am not religious, working at Fairfield University for 34 years gave me an insight into the Jesuit’s teaching approach. Beside the basics of college learning, they encourage all students, regardless of religious backgrounds, to explore who they are and what will guide them in the years to come — a philosophy of life.

Students are asked questions as “Who am I? What am I? and Whose am I?” The Jesuits are not judgmental of the outcome of this path of self-exploration but hope that this self-enlightenment will include the knowledge that all human beings are brothers and sisters, and we have the obligation, the duty to be respectful of and concerned for each other’s well-being. Inclusion!

Merit and inclusion are not mutually self-exclusive. DEI is not a curriculum, but a philosophy, similar as the Newtown Schools’ anti-bullying policy. DEI is an opportunity to learn about others, or to “…walk a mile in another person’s shoes” and to be respectful. In the end, we still must prove our worth to ourself and others. It’s a matter of equality and equity.

Similarly, America’s heterogeneity makes it “kind and charitable” as well as inequitable.

Our history’s pendulum has swung in both directions: Counterintuitively, it often swings in both directions at the same time. It’s like our idealization of a hero as having to be that ideal person — role model. In reality, a hero is an ordinary, flawed person who, in spite of these flaws, performs a heroic act.

One can be a hero and imperfect at the same time. America is no different. In spite of its many flaws, it has been heroic in meeting challenges. This is what makes us exceptional.

I am not speaking for others nor trying to change other people’s opinions. All people need to analyze issues and make their own decision objectively and critically. I may not agree with their conclusions but will respect the right of others to agree or disagree.

Jean-Henry Mathurin

Newtown