To the Publishers and Editor,

Quakers have two “testimonies,” or core principles, that might be useful in the current discord that has upset the leaders and some of the readers of The Swarthmorean.

The discord appears to be about who has a voice. According to our understanding, the editors have included more social justice stories in the paper than some subscribers want to read. These subscribers have spoken to the publishers about changing the “editorial balance” of the paper, and the publishers have asked the editors to do this. The editors and some readers strongly object, saying that social justice is a vital part of our community life.

The first Quaker testimony that might be useful is peace. Inherent in it is the understanding that there is almost always middle ground between opposing views, and — especially when we are in positions of leadership — we are duty-bound to find that middle ground if we can.

A second testimony is equality. All of us have our views, and, in a community, we all need to hear and be heard. Racial injustice is very hard for white people to hear, but it is essential for Swarthmore’s character that we learn to listen well.

Finally, although transparency is not a Quaker testimony, it is a community necessity. Without further explanation, it appears that some influential subscribers spoke privately to the publishers. Perhaps the folks who object to the current balance would be willing to put their views on this opinion page. All of us would benefit from listening to them and understanding them better.

Candid conversation between readers is a powerful reason to subscribe to a local paper, and perhaps a more appropriate way to decide editorial balance. We urge the publishers and the editors, who know Swarthmore and love The Swarthmorean, to search for that middle ground so that the paper not only keeps Swarthmore interesting and up-to-date, but also helps us to understand each other better.

Swarthmore Quaker Meeting