The backbone of society
On this day in 1635, the first public school in America, and our oldest public institution was founded by the Town of Boston, Boston Latin School.
It initially operated in the homes of its headmasters and moved to its first permanent schoolhouse in 1745. Boston Latin produced 5 signers of the Declaration of Independence and to this day, remains one of the top-rated schools in the nation.
While Boston Latin admissions are based on rigorous standards, it also has historically provided preferences for the economically disadvantaged and under-represented.
This public school paved the path for an expansive ecosystem of public institutions that provide essential services for our country. From teachers to first responders, park rangers and air traffic controllers, researchers and aid workers, they comprise a full range of civil servants that toil tirelessly behind the scenes. They fight to uphold our democracy and work to improve our way of life in every sphere, forming the backbone of our society.Â
Recently, many leading voices have engaged in an unrelenting attack on public servants, as lazy and inept to criminal and corrupt. In my short time in public service, I’ve come across some of the most dedicated and talented individuals in my entire career, those that devote themselves to the greater good rather than to self-interest. I’d like to take a moment to recognize their work and thank them for their service.
From its very beginning, Boston Latin has taught the principle of dissent with responsibility.
The year following its establishment, in 1636, the nation’s first university was founded nearby – Harvard.
Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Mahmoud v. Taylor, a potential landmark case that could determine public schools’ control of their own curriculum. Also yesterday, Harvard University sued the Trump administration to protect its academic freedom.
Lastly, and also yesterday, IBank presented at SF Climate Week. I participated in a fireside chat, followed by a panel of our program managers. It was wonderful to see the energy and enthusiasm of the audience, all banding together to address the existential threat to our planet, regardless of detrimental actions from the most powerful of all public institutions, our federal government.
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