Notes from the Headmaster's Desk 3

First, let me apologize for bringing up the issues with the event in the chat in the first place. There were those unhappy with how the event was presented, and I thought it was best to get some answers and not let the problems simmer for too long to remain unsolved. Obviously, the result was not my intentions. Was I wrong? Yes. I could have been a little more patient and chosen a better time and method to present my concerns.  I fully admit that speaking up was my own decision, and nobody asked me to speak for them. Others had much stronger opinions about this than me, and it would have been more sensible to let them express their own thoughts without feeling the need to involve myself on anyone’s behalf. So for my thoughtlessness, I am sorry.

Before I move on, let me also say that I think this journal is an inappropriate way to explain what happened, because it presents a biased view on the incident and selects lines from the dialogue without their original context. It would have been better to keep original event up, with a simple notice that it is currently suspended due to a members' concerns, or a few conflicts. As Drakedragon has said - students who weren't around at the time don’t really know what was going on and can’t form their own views on the topic. With the original text unavailable, it is also difficult to refer to points in actual need of discussion. Anyways, some very good statements in support of the event have been presented in the previous comments.

I have had several days to think about happened, so now let me attempt to explain why the older members could have become so defensive about this event. As Animae-Daemon had put it, most members for S1-S4 were left to their own devices to build up their houses and there are years of work put into being a part of what AoH has become today.

We’ve also felt largely ignored by the staff, to both good ends (relative freedom allows houses and characters to be unique, and members got to contribute to world-building) and bad ends (important things did not get done, or things were done seemingly without reason or consideration). The latter has happened (or almost did) more than once, people have been unhappy, and we’re wary of it happening again. I understand the current staff are putting in their best efforts to turn around this reputation, but nothing can be proved until it is carried out.  It will take time. But there is enough faith in seeing AoH develop for the better that those of us who have been already been around for years are willing to stay with the group, and we do want to support it.

As an older student, the first reaction to seeing this uniform design event was probably: “Don’t the staff know that all the houses have designed uniforms already?” Then next: “What’s going to happen to the old uniforms?” which was the opening question to the whole incident. I believe the problem came from poor communication of the intent of the event, and what the older members reacted badly to were the statements: “they will be replaced” and “it’s time for a new look.” There are usually few if any objections to the idea of having new uniforms in general, as traditionally, any member has been free to design a new uniform for their house and post it at any time. They have typically been well-received by house members, and more than one house is on their second uniform by now.

However, it is jarring to see the staff decide that now every house needs new uniforms by an official event. Some people might have wanted a new house uniform all along, while others like their current uniform design and very much want to keep it. This is likely why it was perceived that staff is “overstepping” their boundaries, along with words that make it easy to interpret that the old ones will be arbitrarily discarded because…  well, just because they said so? and the event feels forced instead of something fun as it was meant to be.

[It is also important to note that the uniform contest was mentioned in a journal entry before (refer to: Welcome to Semester 6). The specific wording though, was simply “House Uniform Contest” without any mention of design being involved and could be easily misinterpreted. _{Me? I thought it was going to be a “who wears it best” character contest and was surprised to find out this was actually a new uniform design contest.}]

I think this event might have been received much better if, at least,it had been acknowledged that uniform designs have been done in the past and are appreciated. I have read many of the comments by newer members on this journal, saying that they would have liked a chance to contribute something to their houses and develop something for themselves to take pride in, and I think they should have had the opportunity. However, this opportunity should have also been presented in a way that recognizes and preserves students’ previous efforts. It was not really ignoring opinions so much as ignoring previous work that students hold dear. The current map project is a good example of going about this the right way, and this event could have been too.

I think it would be really nice to have new uniforms, while the old house uniforms can not only stay but also gain the additional meaning of pride in one’s League /era. Let the students of each house ultimately decide their winner. That would be the best way to turn this event into a win-win.

Did some people overreact? Yes, and a lot of behavior was unjustified. But the reaction was based on a perceived lack of awareness and consideration from the staff on something that we are passionate about. Maybe if plans for the event were clearer before, staff could have become more aware of any misgivings people could have and reassure/address them appropriately before its full publication.  

Remember, we are all members, old and new alike, and we would all like to be considered. Neither change or tradition are bad things.

In Conclusion

Senior members most likely reacted on believing the old house uniforms are to be discarded just because the staff decided so, and thus think that staff overstepping their authority. To add, this not the first time that students have felt disregarded by the staff.

The event would have probably been better received by seniors if the old uniforms had been at least acknowledged, and concerns about them addressed properly. The event is a great idea, with a little more thought in its presentation.

There are probably some who would disagree with my conclusions, and I can’t speak for everyone who was opposed to the event, nor am I excusing anyone's behavior (though most people involved simply wanted to make their stance known and did try to compromise), but this is my best understanding of why there was such opposition to begin with. I hope you understand too.