We, as so many good citizens of Harvard seem to be, are deeply saddened and alarmed like never before by the recent defacing of the Bromfield rock. Such horrific and dangerous symbols so brazenly displayed for all to view and consider are a shock. Such symbols are totally repugnant. They represent the very worst in us. They have the power to change us and divide us if we let them. This incident represents a rare, perhaps once-in-a-lifetime, moment of truth. How we react or do not react individually and collectively may very well define who we are and what is possible and not possible going forward. We believe this is as true for our tiny town as it is for our nation as it responds or does not respond to the related actions of new political leadership that is radically different and, at best, indifferent to acts of hate such as the one that occurred here in Harvard.
How uplifting to see principled and loving collective action so far in the wake of our local crisis! Bravo to Bromfield school leadership, students, families, and friends, and our faith communities for leading on this matter! How hopeful to witness a swift removal of the hateful symbols by an inspired group of student-led citizens! How hopeful to witness the collection of funds to pay for the paint! How hopeful to witness a thoughtful assembly of students, faculty, and staff at our school. How hopeful to gather in collective support of love and inclusion at a peace rally on the Common this coming Sunday. We are proud to be members of this community.
Nonetheless, the Bromfield rock debasement is a call for ongoing, careful reflection and just action—reflection and action that extend beyond the initial work of swift unambiguous repudiation of hateful symbols. It is our hope that as we move forward as a community more vigilant than ever against radical hate in all its forms, we take care to do so from a perspective of radical empathy for all community members, even those who may succumb to the false and horrible promise of exclusionary, racist, and misogynist symbols and acts. We empathize with those who perpetrated this act and invite others to do the same. The person or people who did this are terribly troubled. Whoever you are, we hope you are able to fathom the gravity of your mistake and realize there is a path back from that mistake. We hope you are able to seek help, and that you find it.
Even as we resist and repudiate hate with the greatest of resolve, we must be open to seeking forgiveness, giving forgiveness, and healing if we are to succeed together in maintaining a truly civilized community.
Bart and Chris Morrison and Glen Cooper
West Bare Hill Road
