Opinions must depend on facts

2020-21 Editorial Board (clockwise from upper left, Editors-in-Chief Agustin Aliaga ’21, Matthew Schwartz ’21, Tyler Zimmer ’21 and Managing Editors Jeffrey Yang ’22, Ryan Rodack ’22, and Mitav Nayak ’22

 The Index holds a responsibility to tell the truth and to represent student opinions. 

     The Index strives to strike a balance between education and reporting, between healthy debate and lively discussion. In a time as controversial as this one, where even a discussion on sports can become a political debate, The Index will hold itself to an even higher standard—to fairly and accurately represent the community, while also informing it.

     We hope that you read this year’s first issue with an open mind, ready to absorb what is reported but also to consume critically, knowing that interpretations of events may vary. Diversity of thought is healthy. 

We hope not to serve as the last word on issues in our community but the first, establishing a platform for debate starting with fact and valid opinions.

     We hope not to serve as the last word on issues in our community but the first, establishing a platform for debate starting with fact and valid opinions. Bias and variety of opinions are inevitable in this time of controversy. But academic discussion depends on differences of opinion based on undeniable truths.

     Whether you are a Republican, a Democrat, or simply do not care for politics, we urge you to engage with The Index. Whether you read student opinions about the presidential race, the vital work of the Diversity Alliance, or the school’s plans to balance in-person education with safety of the student body, know that Index writers commit to report what we know. When expressing opinions, we commit to making them both logically sound and recognizably opinionated rather than disguising bias behind a factual tone.

     So take advantage of this historic time in the history of this country and of our school. Engage with controversy not for an argument but for a discussion. Open your mind to other perspectives and communicate yours respectfully and intelligently. As you progress through your time at Haverford and throughout your life, carry these values closely. 

     Always attempt to learn from others.