To the Editor,
I am writing in response to the recent resignation of The Swarthmorean editors and to the publishers’ May 13 response. I am a white Swarthmore resident and have worked as a pediatrician for many years in communities that are predominantly Black and Hispanic/Latinx. I go to work with the best of intentions every day, but I know the uncomfortable experience of being called racist or biased and of hearing how my racist actions can harm patients. But I also know that that discomfort is what helps me do better.
I have felt the instinct to become defensive or resentful, to hide behind my good intentions, or to mention how long I have worked in these communities. But, on my better days, I know the work of racial justice means ignoring those instincts and taking responsibility for my harm, learning, and trying to do better. It means knowing that my impact matters more than my intent.
While this is a painful time for Black Swarthmore residents, and for all marginalized people of Swarthmore, white Swarthmoreans have an opportunity to see their role in systemic racism in our town. It is challenging (but brave!) to do this work in a public forum — but the publishers will get to demonstrate to the entire community the power of humility in working toward racial justice. Acknowledge when you have caused harm, even when you don’t fully understand why. Then read, listen, and learn to discover why. Make amends, and move a little bit further down the path of racial justice — all while inspiring other white Swarthmore residents to do the same.
Emily Spengler
Swarthmore