Xinxin Fang ‘24
Jack Celluci ‘24
Haverford Headmaster Dr. John Nagl has recently come under fire by parents and students as well as members of the greater community for a controversial letter he co-authored which connotes an anti-Trump stance. His letter led to criticism about the expression of his political views with the fact that he is meant to be the representative for the Haverford school. Alumnus of the Haverford School George Geer ‘96 was one of the many who commented on the matter posted on This Is Lower Merion and Narberth online newspaper saying that, “[Dr. Nagl] made a mistake in using The Haverford School letterhead, for his commentary”. After the story gained traction and people began to sound the alarm this September, Nagl announced his public resignation following the 2020-2021 school year which was the right decision considering he stated rather opinionated political thoughts on an open forum, something he should not be doing in his role as headmaster (see our News story on the Haverford Headmaster for more insight).
The letter in question is addressed to the 20th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Milley and speaks on the uncertain time in politics with Biden and Trump each stirring up similar social media rallying, especially with the sensitive topic regarding the legitimacy of mail-in and absentee ballots across the nation. The tone changes to anxious as the letter’s focus turns to the possibility that if Biden was elected president in the upcoming election, Trump may not leave the White House willingly. It is a cautionary letter warning General Milley to be prepared to send in troops into The White House to physically remove Trump out of his office, if he cannot accept that he has left it already in the figurative sense.
Nagl wrote a response to the backlash in a letter addressed to Haverford students, parents, and staff published in This Is Lower Merion and Narberth online newspaper, Nagl defended himself, saying, “The right to express our opinions freely is, of course, one of the great gifts granted to us as American citizens.” However, as a headmaster, there is a certain obligation to refrain from discussing and publishing one’s opinion on controversial topics like this one. In turn, this left many people in our community asking the question: Should he have been fired?
The question comes down to if publicly stating political views is allowed in a Headmaster’s job description. Michael Letts, Head of Upper School at EA, says, “in this role and as a teacher, my job is to remain objective and to help students develop their own opinions and political views.” Nagl did not remain impartial which may cause his students to have difficulty developing their own views. Additionally, as Headmaster, Nagl represents the whole Haverford community. Letts says, “In my role here, I represent the institution and therefore also must remain objective.” By posting his political views online, Nagl is misrepresenting his community.
Many members of the Haverford community were outraged at the statements made by Nagl, but most students were neutral. Current student at the Haverford School, Ryan Moran ‘24 states, “I think they had a pretty good reason to, but it’s not that big of a deal for most of the kids.” Merin Shanahan ‘24 of The Shipley School says, “I feel like this is more of a parents’ issue instead of kids.” After the school board reviewed the situation, it was decided that he would resign at the end of the school year. Letts mentions the decision should not come with surprise as “regardless of what political stance he [Nagl] takes, there will be consequences.”
Letts explains that the EA community can learn from this situation by remembering “that we have to help our students navigate these really challenging waters on both sides.” Nagl was unable to do so and therefore hurt the education of his students. He should not have publicly posted his political views with the knowledge that what he says represents the sentiments of the Haverford School. Parent’s outrage and Nagl’s resignation are justified.
In an email he sent to the Haverford community he says, “I must temper my confidence and passion with judiciousness, and remember that I represent all members of our great community.”