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Standing in the Light: Our Community Response to Systemic Injustic
Standing in the Light: Our Community Response to Systemic Injustic

The start of 2026 has brought a profound weight to our doorsteps. The tragic murder of Renee Good at the hands of federal agents has rightfully sparked national outrage. Yet, as we process this specific loss, we must also acknowledge the painful reality that this event is a visible peak of a much larger mountain of injustice. 

For many in our community—particularly our Black, Brown, and immigrant families—this tragedy is not a new shock, but a devastatingly familiar pattern. It is part of a long history of racialized and anti-immigrant violence that disproportionately targets those who are often the most vulnerable and the least 'seen' by the wider public. This news is compounded by the unsettling escalation of ICE activity across the nation, including here in the Greater Philadelphia area.

In times like these, it is natural to feel a sense of helplessness. As parents, our primary instinct is to protect our children and preserve the innocence of their world. Yet, as a Friends school, we are also tasked with a greater responsibility: raising children who see the "Inner Light" in every person and who understand that peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice.

Our Values in the Face of Adversity

The recent actions by ICE agents stand in direct opposition to our core Friends values. The use of aggressive tactics that separate families and lead to senseless loss of life violates our most fundamental testimonies:

  • Peace: We believe in the power of nonviolence to resolve conflict. The use of lethal force in civil matters is a violation of this testimony. Nonviolence is not just the absence of physical fighting; it is the presence of active justice.
  • Equality: We believe every person carries the same "Inner Light." When any community—specifically our Black, Brown, undocumented, and LGBTQ+ neighbors—is targeted, it is a violation of that divine equality.
  • Community: A community is only as strong as its most marginalized members feel safe. The fear currently rippling through our region diminishes us all.

The Antidote: Action and Advocacy

If you are feeling rage or fear, know that these emotions are a testament to your humanity. Within the Friends tradition, there is a deep historical precedent for peaceful protest. From the abolitionist movement to the fight for women’s suffrage, Friends have long recognized that "speaking truth to power" is a spiritual imperative.

Peaceful protest is not a "disruption" of American values; it is one of the highest expressions of them. By engaging, we show our children that we can respond to injustice with purpose rather than despair.

How you can engage today:

Finding Grounding and Community at MPFS

We recognize that to be effective advocates, we must first find our own center. We invite all parents to join us for our weekly Wednesday morning traditions—spaces designed for reflection, quiet, and solidarity:

  • Mindful Mornings: Join parent Amy Sund at 8:30 AM in the Gym for a guided session to help process stress and find mental clarity.
  • All-School Meeting: Join our students and staff from 9:40 AM – 10:00 AM in the Meeting Room. This is a cornerstone of our community where we sit in expectant silence to seek wisdom and strength together. (For more information on what to expect at Meeting at MPFS, visit the Family Portal > Tutorials & Instructions.)

Local Resources

As we move forward, let us hold every member of our community in the Light—ensuring that no family feels they are walking through this darkness alone. In doing so, we model the very world we want our students to inherit. Our children are watching not just what we say, but how we act when the world feels most difficult.

In Peace,

Jon Hall, Head of School

Angela DiMaria, Asst. Head of School for Admissions & Program

Syreeta Bacon Williams, Dir. of Business & Campus Operations

Cristina Perachio, Dir. of Marketing & Communications

Cynthia McGoff, Assoc. Head of School for Development

Claire Wilson, Registrar