November 19th 2025
By Jacqueline Nelson, Director of Equity & Inclusion
At a time of heightened social polarization, expressing diverse viewpoints can feel increasingly discomforting and risky. On the Hilltop, civil discourse and an appreciation for diversity of all kinds are core to the SLS mission and Vision for Inclusive Excellence (VIE). As such, students are encouraged and empowered to exchange perspectives, learn from others’ lived experiences, and explore constructive ways to live and learn in a diverse community.
At a time of heightened social polarization, expressing diverse viewpoints can feel increasingly discomforting and risky. On the Hilltop, civil discourse and an appreciation for diversity of all kinds are core to the SLS mission and Vision for Inclusive Excellence (VIE). As such, students are encouraged and empowered to exchange perspectives, learn from others’ lived experiences, and explore constructive ways to live and learn in a diverse community.
In alignment with the VIE, our Upper School Equity Leadership Team (ELT) launched a new initiative this year: the Storm Forum, a student-centered platform designed to promote curiosity, mutual respect, and exposure to multiple perspectives. The first of three Storm Forums, held on November 6, invited upper school students to explore the student-selected topic “Free Speech in America.”
Over 35 Upper School students elected to attend this optional forum. They represented a broad range of identities and viewpoints, gathered in the Wyckoff Family Black Box Theater to discuss the state of free speech, the challenges of open dialogue, and strategies for bridging divides. Grounded in our SLS Community Agreements, in particular those that compel us to: speak from the “I” perspective, challenge ideas, not people, balance humility and courage, and agree to disagree, the Storm Forum resulted in a remarkable display of curiosity, candor, and vulnerability.
Students considered the influence of the SLS “bubble,” the role of social media bias and “virtue signaling” online, as well as family values that shape personal choices. They also reflected on how emotional regulation, or the lack thereof, can lead to self-censorship, especially when it comes to political topics.
The forum concluded with a challenge to all participating students, in an effort to move the SLS community forward in its mission: How might you intentionally invite or continue a respectful conversation with someone whose views and/or beliefs differ significantly from your own?
The SLS mission uniquely positions us to help students grapple with complex issues while learning to make informed decisions as ethical citizens and developing their moral compass. Just as importantly, we are committed to nurturing their social-emotional development and normalizing curiosity, critical inquiry, and respectful disagreement.
