Editorial
On our lead story
By Editorial Staff
April 28, 2016
As you will notice in this week’s article investigating the stoppage of all Hamilton volunteer opportunities in the Utica City School District and at the Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees (MVRCR), “Utica and refugee center volunteering halted,” many sources declined to be interviewed, as did many more not cited in the article. Others did not respond to multiple interview requests including dozens of phone calls and emails. Some of those who did agree to contribute to the investigation only did so on the condition of anonymity. If nothing else, this suggests a culture of evasion.
It seems apparent that the College’s relationship with the District and the MVRCR is already strained. Perhaps those who did not wish to speak worry that the situation will be made worse if it appears in the press. However, The Spectator believes that reparations cannot come before the situation is better understand in both communities.
We note that relationships are founded on understanding. We believe that members of both communities aspire to do the most good with the resources they have.
Still, The Spectator would like to acknowledge the College’s responsibility for being critical of its community partners. It seems striking that a lawsuit filed against the District would cite the same information that can be found in a Hamilton-affiliated video celebrating a program included in an investigation for civil rights violations.
We emphasize that Hamilton volunteer opportunities at Utica public schools have clearly benefitted Hamilton and Utica students alike.
However, our ability to help is contingent upon our opportunity to safely voice constructive concerns about our partners. The Spectator hopes that this report is a step towards openness which will form a new, transparent base on which to rebuild.