Gospel Choir will perform: Religion dialogue planned

By JERE HOCHMAN

Published on May 25, 2007

Recently, the Gospel Choir was asked to perform at the high school graduation and later informed they would not. Any attempt on my part to explain how this situation proceeded will come across only as excuses. What matters are the principles and messages conveyed in the process.

During the school year, we embrace the music of the Gospel Choir, the sacred music sung periodically by the chorale at concerts, and other performances. In history, music, and other classrooms, we want students to learn about religion and about history and culture connected to the music. It is both acceptable and desirable to teach about religion in our classrooms and schools; however, we do not teach or promote a religion. Consequently, the present issue is whether or not religious music, any religious or sacred music, should be performed at a graduation ceremony.

This religion-in-schools question should be discussed, researched and debated to clarify guiding principles and direction. Those principles should include concepts of social justice, respect for all persons, and Constitutionality - not concepts of political correctness and majority rule which results in the exclusion of others. Yet, religion-in-schools is not the sole issue.

The question of religious music has come up informally in the past. When the question of religious music at graduation was raised this year, steps were taken at the high school to begin sorting through the issue. While this was an issue about religious music at graduation and not originally an issue about the Gospel Choir, I understand the message that was conveyed to the Gospel Choir members. I apologize for the timing of raising this and for the message conveyed. This now tests how we address issues, how we hold tough conversations about race and institutional racism, and how we learn and proceed together.

Last Friday, Mr. Jackson and I met with several high school students and some staff members. A productive and informative meeting proceeded as the Gospel Choir members and other students raised excellent questions and the adults responded, listened and learned. Similarly, Mr. Jackson has met with students who have questioned the inclusion of religious music at graduation. I am proud of the objectivity and thoughtfulness with which all of the students presented their thoughts, opinions, and feelings. This dialogue must continue. As Mr. Jackson noted, inquiry is essential in this historic, precedent-setting discussion.

In the short term, we will proceed with the '07 graduation as originally planned. As intended, the Gospel Choir, the Chorale and other high school groups will perform to make graduation more culturally responsive to and representative of the diversity and multicultural character of our students and schools. For those who would like graduation to be devoid of religious music or inferences this year, I trust understanding will prevail, mindful of the larger discussion to be held later. We need to hear all voices and figure this out in a thoughtful, timely manner. Well after the evening of diplomas, handshakes, and pride, we will open up a substantial dialogue about religion, culture, and graduation - and about race - and move forward together.

Jere Hochman is superintendent of schools for the Amherst Regional School District.